In this inspiring episode of From Underdog to Entrepreneur: Building Dreams with Pat Miller, Pat sits down with Mark Khuri, CEO and Co-Founder of SMK Capital Management, to uncover the remarkable journey from working in a corporate cubicle to building a $1.5 billion real estate investment portfolio.

Mark shares how a simple conversation with a coworker sparked his passion for real estate investing and led him to purchase his first property while still working a full-time corporate job. Through persistence, calculated risks, and years of learning, he transitioned from fixing up duplexes after work to leading a private equity firm with investments spanning more than 120 properties across 36 states.

The conversation dives deep into today's real estate market, recession-resistant investment strategies, mobile home park investing, passive income opportunities, and the importance of diversification when building long-term wealth. Mark also opens up about setbacks, including a devastating property fire, lessons learned from raising investment capital, and why character and relationships matter more than chasing quick profits.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned investor, or someone looking to build financial freedom through real estate, this episode delivers practical insights and timeless business wisdom.

What You'll Learn

• How Mark turned a corporate finance job into a $1.5B real estate business

• Why starting real estate investing while keeping your day job can reduce risk

• The biggest lessons from building SMK Capital Management

• Why mobile home parks remain one of the most resilient real estate investments

• The truth about today's self-storage and multifamily markets

• How successful investors evaluate risk before making a deal

• Why diversification is essential for protecting wealth

• The importance of surrounding yourself with trustworthy partners

• Lessons from raising private investment capital

• Why entrepreneurship is about freedom, relationships, and long-term thinking

About Mark Khuri

Mark Khuri is the CEO and Co-Founder of SMK Capital Management, a family-owned private equity real estate firm specializing in institutional-quality, recession-resistant investments. With more than two decades of experience, Mark has participated in over 120 real estate investments valued at more than $1.5 billion and has built more than 70 successful investment partnerships. His mission is helping investors create long-term wealth through carefully selected passive real estate opportunities while emphasizing education, integrity, and disciplined investing.

Connect with Mark Khuri

Website: https://www.smkcap.com

Learn more about SMK Capital Management and explore educational resources on passive real estate investing.

Connect with Pat Miller

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