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Upcoming Event

The Rental Riddle: Cracking the Code on Washington’s Housing Market | September 25, 2025

Why are some investors thriving in Washington’s rental market while others are wondering if it’s worth the hassle? 

From county to county, the rules shift. New laws quietly reshape the landscape. What do seasoned investors know that others don’t?

Join us for an exclusive evening where we’ll unravel the legal, financial, and strategic nuances of investing in multifamily and single-family rentals across Washington. Discover how local ordinances and recent legislation are creating both risk and reward.

Speaker Bio:

Wally grew up in various Washington State communities—his father a Washington State Trooper. After graduating from the University of Washington and passing the CPA Exam, he began his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., a Big 8 CPA firm. He later transitioned into the tech sector, working for IBM and clients like Boeing and Weyerhaeuser.

From the 1990s through the 2000s, Wally held leadership roles in private and VC-backed tech companies while investing in residential real estate. Over the last decade, he’s focused on managing 10–20 unit properties in the greater Seattle area, forming LLCs with family and friends to invest collectively. His experience navigating Washington’s complex rental laws makes him a trusted voice in the housing provider community.

Wally lives on Mercer Island with his wife Paula, where they raised six children. Outside of real estate, he enjoys cycling, being a grandpa, Mariners baseball, Peloton, and movies—especially The Big Lebowski.

How to attend?

Our events are open to all members of the AltsInvest Collective, as well as to their guests. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to apply and become one here. Events have limited capacity and require prior registration, so please check the event details and reserve your tickets in advance.

Cost to attend?

The cost to attend the event will be $10 to cover any expenses in holding the event. Any excess proceeds will be donated to our partner charity, DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network).

Previous Events

Alternative Investments: 8 Due Diligence Red Flags and Risk Areas | Insights from John Canorro

Our March event brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Our fellow member, John Canaro from Path Stone led the discussion focusing on eight potential red flags in investment due diligence, including improper investment allocations, flawed valuations, related-party transactions, and asset-liability mismatch. He used various case studies to illustrate these points. Significant attention was given to the importance of understanding operational risks and proper evaluation of private investments. The presentation concluded with a discussion on the emerging trends in crypto investments and the regulatory landscape. The session emphasized the need for thorough investigation and systematic evaluation in mitigating investment risks. The meeting ended with an interactive Q&A session.

Discover the Power of Pre-Seed and Seed Investing: Insights from Peter Mueller

We had a fantastic evening filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities at our very first event of 2025. Attendees learned how to unlock the potential of pre-seed and seed investing and discovered ways to get involved in the exciting world of startup funding. This event catered to both seasoned investors and those just starting out, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to enhance their investment portfolio. Participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable knowledge that can aid in their success in angel investing.

The evening featured a keynote presentation by Peter Mueller, founding partner of Breakwater Ventures, followed by an interactive Q&A session and ample networking opportunities. Overall, it was a fantastic occasion for individuals interested in alternative investments to engage and share insights. We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a success.

Unlocking Hedge Fund Opportunities: Insights from Paul Kreiselmaier

In the inaugural AltsInvest Collective meeting for accredited investors looking for network and education across alternative investments we explored Hedge Funds. Unlike traditional investment vehicles such as mutual funds, hedge funds employ a range of strategies to capitalize on market opportunities, making them a potentially versatile addition to an investor's portfolio. Expert insights shared by Paul Kreiselmaier, Managing Director and head of hedge funds at Verus Investments.

Note: Members can access summaries of all past and future events.

The SEC Whistleblower Program: Protecting Investors and Promoting Transparency: Insights from Neil Chelo

Our second event of the year brought together investors for another insightful discussion. Neil Chelo, our fellow member and Managing Partner at Quadre Investments, detailed the SEC's whistleblower program, describing its origins, processes, and potential rewards. He also shared insider experiences, notably the uncovering of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and the risks q with investment fraud. Future meeting topics will include operational due diligence and private debt instruments.

A Deep Dive into Closed End Funds and BDCs | Insights from John Cole Scott

AltsInvest Collective joined the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Pacific Northwest and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Seattle in hosting a talk regarding Closed End Funds (CEF) and Business Development Companies (BDC). We were fortunate to be joined by the Chief Investment Officer of Closed End Fund Advisors, John Cole Scott. He provided an insightful overview of CEFs and BDCs, how you can access them, nuances in their valuations, among others. The discussion highlighted the supply and demand features causing these investments to trade at a discount to their NAV, leading to a growth in activism in the space. The session emphasized the complexity of these investment instruments and the importance of educating oneself, networking with experienced traders, and having a clear investment plan. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session.

Art Of The Family Office: Combination Of Strategic Cooperation And Individual Pursuit  | Insights from Toddy Butson

Todd Butson, with a background at Morgan Stanley, transitioned to managing his family's multi-generational wealth and provided key insights into running the family office. His discussion covered the importance of alignment of interests, transparent communication, structured governance, and thoughtful succession planning. Todd explained the evolution of his family's timber business into a diversified investment portfolio, emphasized risk management, and shared strategies for maintaining and growing wealth across generations. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees asked questions about best practices, investment strategies, and the operational aspects of managing a family office.