Mark Leverette on Navigating Risk, Operations, and the Role of AI

In this episode of the Matthews™ Podcast, host Matthew Wallace is joined by Mark Leverette, Managing Partner of Client Accounting & Advisory Services at BPM, to discuss how artificial intelligence, automation, and better data management are changing the future of commercial real estate.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience advising institutional investors, private equity firms, family offices, developers, and operators, Leverrette explains why firms that invest in clean data, integrated technology, and operational efficiency will have a significant advantage over competitors. From improving financial reporting to preparing organizations for AI, he shares practical insights into what real estate companies should be doing today to stay ahead.

From Data Overload to Better Decisions

Real estate has traditionally lagged behind other industries in adopting technology, but that is rapidly changing. Leverrette explains that success isn’t about collecting more data, it’s about organizing, validating, and using it effectively.

Data Quality Matters More Than Data Volume: Owners often struggle with delayed reporting, inconsistent information, and disconnected systems that slow decision-making.
Modern Systems Create Competitive Advantages: Firms adopting integrated accounting, property management, and reporting platforms are improving efficiency while reducing operational bottlenecks.
Start Small, Then Scale: Rather than replacing everything at once, companies should identify their biggest reporting challenges, solve them incrementally, and build momentum through early wins.

AI Is an Accelerator, Not a Replacement

Artificial intelligence is changing how real estate firms analyze information, but Leverrette emphasizes that strong data foundations must come first.

AI Depends on Clean Data: Even the most advanced AI tools are only as effective as the information they’re given.
Automation Speeds Decision-Making: AI can help process financial, operational, and property-level data much faster than traditional workflows.
Humans Still Need to Stay in the Loop: While AI will increasingly support underwriting, reporting, and operational decisions, critical investment decisions should continue to include human oversight.

Building the Infrastructure for Smarter Operations

Many institutional owners are pursuing what Leverrette calls the “holy grail” of real estate data, a centralized environment where information from multiple systems can be accessed, analyzed, and acted upon in real time.

Enterprise Platforms Matter: Systems like Yardi, MRI, RealPage, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and AppFolio provide the infrastructure needed for scalable data management.
Open Integrations Create Flexibility: Software with strong API capabilities allows firms to connect multiple systems while preparing for future AI applications.
Operational Efficiency Drives Value: Faster reporting and more reliable information enable owners to make better investment, underwriting, and portfolio decisions.

Protecting Data While Creating Value

As firms collect more proprietary information, data governance becomes just as important as analytics.

Protect Proprietary Information: Internal operating data and investment insights increasingly represent valuable intellectual property.
Prioritize Security: Owners should rely on trusted enterprise platforms and maintain strong controls around data access and usage.
Expect Evolving Standards: Regulators and institutional investors will continue raising expectations around data quality, transparency, and reporting.

Key Takeaways for CRE Professionals

Treat clean, organized data as a competitive asset.
Modernize systems before fully embracing AI.
Focus on operational efficiency as much as technology adoption.
Keep humans involved in critical investment and underwriting decisions.
Invest in relationships alongside technology; your professional network remains one of your greatest long-term assets.