Neal Collier: From Hollywood Magic to Historic Apartment Makeovers

What happens when a Disney and Warner Bros. executive trades film reels for floorplans? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Neal Collier, a fourth-generation Angeleno who transitioned from the entertainment industry to become a successful real estate investor in Los Angeles. Neal shares how he turned a modest condo purchase into a multi-property portfolio of Spanish-style apartment buildings — all while preserving architectural charm and managing every renovation himself.

Learn how Neal leveraged debt creatively, rebuilt vintage bathrooms with surgical precision, and tracked hipster migration trends to buy in up-and-coming neighborhoods. He discusses why attention to detail matters in attracting tenants, how he built custom real estate financial models, and why he remains bullish on DIY investing—despite the many hurdles LA landlords face today.

If you’ve ever wondered how to spot value in overlooked buildings, how to bootstrap your first investment, or how to balance artful restoration with smart financial planning, Neal’s story is a blueprint worth hearing.

 

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