Beyond the Resume Podcast with Ty Barnes (The Real About Real Estate Investing)
In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Ty Barnes, Head of Investments at Comunidad Partners, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, career pivots, and how mission-driven investing is reshaping the future of real estate.
Ty shares his unconventional journey — from political science major to Wall Street analyst to leading community-focused investments across the country. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned running his family’s business in his 20s, the importance of understanding operations before underwriting, and how personal responsibility sharpened his business instincts.
With refreshing candor, Ty breaks down the hard and soft skills that have guided his growth: humility, hustle, people management, and modeling — both in Excel and in life. Whether you’re early in your career or rethinking your next move, this episode offers sharp takeaways and grounded wisdom for anyone in real estate or impact work.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
(00:00) – What is Comunidad Partners?
Ty breaks down the company’s mission and how social impact is built into every deal.
(01:45) – The Market Right Now: Where Deals Are Happening
Insights on Carolina growth, rate locks, and why underwriting discipline still matters.
(03:58) – From Political Science to Real Estate Visionary
Ty shares how a liberal arts degree and Wall Street job turned into a calling.
(06:22) – Running the Family Business in His 20s
The responsibility, the grind — and the education no MBA could match.
(09:50) – Why Operations Make You a Stronger Investor
A masterclass on bridging asset management and acquisitions to de-risk deals.
(12:34) – Excel Skills and the Value of Learning the Hard Way
Why modeling is a language — and why everyone should take the next course.
(14:57) – Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders
Ty reflects on what makes a great team member and how he supports their growth.
(17:29) – Real Talk: Giving Back with Intentionality
From college students to junior team members, why helping others is part of the job.
(20:31) – Favorite Podcast, Favorite Deal, Favorite Lessons
Ty opens up about media, memories, and the deal that almost went up in smoke.
(23:00) – Hiring Advice & Lessons from His Father
Ty on interview green flags, mentorship, and the life-changing example set by his dad.
💬 Top 5 Quotes from the Episode:
“The best way to be great at acquisitions is to understand operations.”
– Ty Barnes
“I ran a company in my 20s where people’s lives depended on me. That taught me more than any MBA.”
“Do your homework before the interview. Don’t just want a job — want this job.”
“You can overcomplicate modeling. You should still be able to underwrite a deal with paper and a calculator.”
“My father was the coolest person I ever met. He taught me everything I know about leadership.”
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Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9
Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/ty-barnes