2025 Investor of the Year Awards x Zen Coast Gala
Celebrating the best in our real estate community
Recognizing the innovators, builders, and community leaders shaping the future of investing.
Last year, we received hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes, shining a spotlight on the investors, partners, and leaders who shaped our community.
This year, the Investor of the Year Awards return—bigger, bolder, and more exciting—culminating in a live celebration at the Zen Coast Charity Gala on November 1st, 2025.
Now it’s YOUR turn to nominate the movers, builders, and innovators who deserve the spotlight.
How It Works
Nominations Open: Sept 1 – Sept 30
Finalist Voting: Oct 1 – Oct 12
The Top 3–5 nominees in each category (by number of nominations) will advance to the finalist round.
Winners will be announced LIVE at the Zen Coast Charity Gala.
This is your chance to shine a light on the people shaping real estate—from rookies to veterans, operators to partners.
2025 Investor of the Year Award Categories:
This award goes to the person or company who’s been essential in helping investors close more deals. Whether its your favorite agent, lender, broker, or other services, they’ve helped advance portfolios and made deals possible.
Real Estate Partner of the Year
Nominations:
Flipper / Wholesaler of the Year
The hustlers who make big moves. This award recognizes investors dominating the fix-and-flip and wholesale space, turning properties quickly, scaling transactions, and bringing energy to the market.
Nominations:
Will be announced on September 8.
Long-Term Rental Operator of the Year
For the steady builders. This category celebrates those growing wealth through buy-and-hold properties—whether in-state or out-of-state—and proving that long-term rentals are still one of the best paths to financial freedom.
Nominations:
Short-Term / Mid-Term Rental Operator of the Year
The innovators of short term rentals, mid-term insurance rentals, and furnished housing. These investors are running homes (or rooms) like a business and redefining hospitality in the process.
Nominations:
Brianna Mahoney
Cameron Masters
This award honors those who have scaled into larger plays like multifamily, storage, ground-up development, and commercial projects that push the industry forward.
Commercial Investor of the Year
Nominations:
Most Likely to Have their own Real Estate TV Show
Some investors just have it: the charisma, the design aesthetic, the marketing game, and the story that feels TV-ready. This fun category highlights those who’d crush it with their own real estate show.
Nominations:
ZCU Investor of the Year
Recognizing the top contributor and leader in the Zen Coast University community. This award is for the person who’s not just making big moves, but also giving back by teaching, sharing, and helping others grow.
Nominations:
Theo
Austin Sherwin
John Ngo
Howard Chong
Rookie of the Year
Your first year in real estate can be the most transformative. This award celebrates newcomers who’ve gone all-in, completed their first deals, or supported others with energy and fresh perspective.
Nominations:
For the people who are always there. This is the investor who embodies collaboration, generosity, and support—helping others succeed while creating positive impact in the community.
Community Spirit Award
Nominations:
2024 Event Gallery
The awards ceremony will be the highlight of the Zen Coast Holiday Charity Gala on November 1st at Club Sportiva.
Get Your Gala Tickets
An evening of celebration, networking, and impact—all proceeds benefit youth financial literacy programs through Zen Coast Cares.