Scott Trench’s 2026 Playbook: Rates, Rents, and the Office Bet

This Episode Chris Lopez and Jim Pfeifer sit down with Scott Trench for a frank 2025 recap and a practical 2026 game plan. Scott reviews what he got right (rates staying sticky, supply-driven rent trends) and where the surprises showed up (gold strength, stock market resilience), then opens his playbook: selling a chunk of stocks, buying paid-off 2–4 unit Denver rentals, and allocating a small slice of retirement capital to private credit via a solo 401(k). Looking ahead, Scott focuses on multifamily supply tapering, demand uncertainty, and the 10-year vs. Fed funds dynamic. He also lays out a contrarian Class A office thesis (all equity, patient lease-up, operator quality over leverage) and shares how LPs might think about accessing similar opportunities. Key Takeaways Interest rates: policy cuts may not translate to lower mortgages if the 10-year stays elevated Supply and rents: 2026 likely absorbs the 2024–2025 wave, with rent strength returning market by market Portfolio moves: swapped high-multiple equities for paid-off small multifamily; reserved retirement dollars for simple-yield private credit Risk posture: early-career aggression → mid-career capital protection; leverage optionality comes later Office angle: best-in-market, newer assets with patient, all-equity business plans may offer asymmetric upside LP lens: prioritize operator track records in one geography, modest leverage, and realistic lease-up/tenant improvement budgets Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

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Scott Trench’s 2026 Playbook: Rates, Rents, and the Office Bet is an episode from Passive Investing from Left Field by BiggerPockets.

This episode is 39:40 long.

This episode was published on Jan 6, 2026.

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