Best Axel Ragnarsson Podcasts (2025)

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The Power of Focus When Building a Niche Multifamily Portfolio ft. Axel Ragnarsson 41:34

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3d ago41:34

41:34

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Axel Ragnarsson—founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners and host of The Multifamily Wealth Podcast. Axel breaks down why his team targets small-to-mid multifamily in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, winning on inefficiencies while packaging assets into funds to spread risk. He gets tactical on the tech that …

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#304: Sharing 5 Extremely Actionable (and Valuable) Leasing Tips for Multifamily Operators Looking To Maximize NOI 15:29

2h ago15:29

15:29

Axel shares five practical leasing strategies that every multifamily operator can implement to reduce vacancy, maximize rent roll, and ultimately increase NOI. These are simple, high-impact tactics that work whether you self-manage, run an in-house property management team, or work with a third-party manager. Axel also breaks down how to use stagge…

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36-Unit Sky Hill Apartments In Champlin, MN With Ben Michel, Multifamily Investing Expert 22:48

2h ago22:48

22:48

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily investing expert Ben Michel of Ridgeview Property Group as he recounts his impressive journey from a decade as a broker to a successful multifamily investor. Dive deep into the strategic acquisition and transformative renovation of the 36-unit Sky Hill Apartments in Champlin, MN, …

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Building an LP Playbook for Lasting Wealth ft. Pascal Wagner 36:28

5h ago36:28

36:28

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Pascal Wagner. A former Techstars VC turned professional LP. Pascal shares how he built a six-figure passive income stream by diversifying across real estate and alternatives—and the simple three-step framework he uses to evaluate opportunities with institutional discipline. He explains why clarity of goals…

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#303: Discussing The Fundamentals Of Excellent Asset Management and De-Commoditizing Yourself as a GP with John Makarewicz 52:48

10d ago52:48

52:48

In this episode, Axel Ragnarsson is joined by John Makarewicz, President and Head of Operations at Faris Capital Partners, to discuss how sponsors can stand out in a crowded multifamily space and the systems that drive excellent asset management. John shares his journey from scaling one of the largest residential brokerages in the Southeast to buil…

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196-Unit Brynn Marr Village In Jacksonville, NC With Ashley Garner, Apartment Syndication Expert 37:58

3d ago37:58

37:58

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment syndication expert Ashley Garner on his acquisition of the 196-unit Brynn Marr Village in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He breaks down his contract structure, finance strategies, and due diligence approach for getting the 1973 vintage property, which he closed in February 2025. Ashl…

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#302: The Importance of "Leading With Your CapEx" and Why You Should Over-Renovate Units Early In A Hold Period 13:57

9d ago13:57

13:57

In this solo episode, Axel breaks down one of the most overlooked aspects of multifamily ownership—the timing of your CapEx spending. Many investors wait until systems fail before addressing roofs, heating, or parking lots, but Axel explains why this “defer and react” approach can actually hurt you long-term. He shares why leading with your CapEx, …

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Busting the Biggest Tax Myths in Real Estate ft. Amanda Han & Matt MacFarland 34:31

19d ago34:31

34:31

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland, partners at Keystone CPA and authors of Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor. Amanda and Matt reveal how real estate investors—from beginners to high-net-worth professionals—can use the tax code to build wealth faster and keep more of their earnings. They break d…

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#301: Salvaging a Bad First Deal with Investor Capital, Building Incredible Investor Relationships, and Numerous Great Deal Stories with Levi Allen and Joe Rinderknecht 53:33

16d ago53:33

53:33

In this episode, Axel sits down with Levi Allen and Joe Rinderknecht, co-founders of Cowboy Capital, to talk about their journey from a tough first deal to becoming trusted operators with a growing investor base. They share how they salvaged a challenging early project that nearly sank their business, what they learned about managing investor relat…

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The Art of Picking Top-Tier Operators ft. Paul Moore 35:05

26d ago35:05

35:05

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Paul Moore. Paul shares his unconventional journey from Ford Motor Company to building and selling a business, before discovering his passion for real estate and eventually founding Wellings Capital. He breaks down how his firm evaluates hundreds of operators to find only the best opportunities, why diversi…

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#300: Reflecting On 300 Episodes! How Our Business Has Grown, Changes in How I Think About Investing, Business, and More! 34:02

23d ago34:02

34:02

In this special milestone episode, Axel Ragnarsson celebrates 300 episodes of The Multifamily Wealth Podcast by reflecting on how his business—and his mindset—has evolved since the show began in 2020. From launching with 42 units and no investors to managing over 500 units and $18M in equity today, Axel walks through the journey of growth, lessons …

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Probabilistic Investing and Fixed Debt Wins ft. Andrew Cushman 36:09

29d ago36:09

36:09

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Andrew Cushman. Andrew shares his journey from chemical engineer to full-time multifamily investor, with more than 3,000 units syndicated and repositioned. He explains why chasing “rough C” properties created more risk and headaches than reward, why class B assets offer the best risk-adjusted returns, and h…

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Why Consistency Outperforms Talent in Multifamily ft. Michael Blank 41:47

1M ago41:47

41:47

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Michael Blank. Michael shares his winding path from software IPO riches to a painful restaurant collapse, the light-bulb moment that multifamily creates true “mailbox money,” and how a Who-Not-How mindset lets new investors scale without waiting for decades of experience or their own capital. He breaks down…

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#299: Building a Small Portfolio of Multis and Divesting To Focus on Capital Raising + Combining Bitcoin/Real Estate Into One Offering with Harrison Riley 56:09

1M ago56:09

56:09

Harrison Riley’s journey into real estate is anything but traditional. After building a small multifamily portfolio, he realized he didn’t enjoy the property management grind and decided to shift his focus toward raising capital and building partnerships. In this episode, Harrison shares the lessons he learned from painful contractor mistakes, why …

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168-Unit Chateau Apartments In Chapel Hill, NC With Will Matheson, Multifamily Investing Expert 27:17

1M ago27:17

27:17

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily investing expert Will Matheson, who shares about his acquisition of the 168-unit Chateau Apartments in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He talks about using the state’s tax abatement program to significantly boost net operating income, as well as how he navigates the recent amendments…

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The Power of Fixed Debt and Smart Operations ft. John Casmon 45:15

1M ago45:15

45:15

On this week’s episode of Ritter on Real Estate, Kent Ritter interviews John Casmon. They break down a real case study: a 2019-built, B-class Louisville asset bought in 2021 where the team created value through operations and paired the plan with stable, assumed fixed-rate debt. John shares how they tightened collections, navigated a surprise tax r…

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#298: Vetting (and Partnering With) Sponsors, Raising Capital For 20+ Deals, and Transitioning From Single Family To Multifamily with Igor Shaltanov 45:59

1M ago45:59

45:59

From professional water polo in Russia to raising capital for over 20 multifamily deals in the U.S., Igor Shaltanov’s story is all about resilience, discipline, and smart investing. In this episode, Igor shares how he went from renting out his mom’s spare apartment in Moscow to building a U.S. real estate business, starting with single-family homes…

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24-Unit Gilmore Apartments In Jeffrey, NH With Mike Preshman, Apartment Investor 34:58

2M ago34:58

34:58

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment investor Mike Preshman, who shares his acquisition of the 24-unit Gilmore Apartments in Jeffrey, New Hampshire in November 2024. He explains his unconventional approach to due diligence and financing, particularly his strategy to raise debt instead of equity. Mike also reveals how h…

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The Mindset That Builds Real Estate Legacy with Jonathan Greene 45:26

2M ago45:26

45:26

On this week’s episode, Kent is joined by Jonathan Greene, longtime investor and host of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing. Jonathan shares how growing up learning real estate “old school” from his attorney-investor father shaped his bias toward action, diversification, and treating each property like a business. He explains why many busy, h…

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#297: The 5 Real Estate "Hills" I'm Willing To Die On.... Some Spicy Takes! 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

We all hear “conventional wisdom” in real estate—but sometimes, following it blindly can cost you big. In this solo episode, I share the five controversial real estate takes (or “hills I’m willing to die on”) that I feel strongest about. Some of these might challenge how you started your investing career. But if you’re a new or growing investor, th…

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The Four Pillars That De-Risk Passive Real Estate with Lon Welsh 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

On this week’s episode of Ritter on Real Estate, Kent Ritter interviews Lon Welsh. They unpack Lon’s “four pillars of diversification” framework—asset class, geography, strategy, and sponsor—digging into why he favors multifamily for stability, mid-size industrial for supply–demand gaps, and budget extended-stay hospitality for resilient demand. Lo…

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#296: Building a 3,000 Unit Portfolio, Selecting Markets, and The Power of Narrow Focus with Jason Yarusi 42:37

2M ago42:37

42:37

In this episode, Axel sits down with Jason Yarusi—real estate investor, entrepreneur, and operator of a 3,000+ unit multifamily portfolio. Jason shares his journey from running bars and restaurants in New York City to building a thriving multifamily business in the Southeast. He talks about the lessons learned from his early days in construction, h…

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72-Unit The Sterling Realty Apartments In Barrington, NH With Axel Ragnarsson, Apartment Syndicator 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Axel Ragnarsson, founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners. Axel reveals his strategic approach to winning direct-to-seller multifamily deals, even when competitive offers are higher. Learn how he masterfully structured the contract for the 72-unit Sterling Realty Apartments in Berrington, New …

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#295: The 5 Attributes Of A Holy Grail Multifamily Deal... When We See These, We Aggressively Pursue! 15:41

2M ago15:41

15:41

What makes a multifamily deal truly irresistible? For us, it comes down to five specific attributes that signal, this is one we want to buy. In this solo episode, I break down the five “holy grail” characteristics we look for in deals—and why these features dramatically increase the odds of success. If you’re a value-add investor, you’ll likely be …

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96-Unit Tanglewood Apartments In Charlotte, NC With Jeff Ervick, Apartment Investing Expert 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Jeff Ervick, co-founder of Valoris Capital Partners. They dive into the complexities of challenging multifamily deals. Specifically, they discuss the acquisition of the 96-Unit Tanglewood Apartments in Charlotte, NC. Jeff recounts the turbulent journey, sharing critical lessons on due diligen…

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#294: Discussing Market Cycles, Market Selection, and Rebuilding a Business After a Decade in Prison with Mike Morawski 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

What does it take to rebuild your life—and your business—after losing it all? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Morawski, a 30-year real estate veteran, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, whose story is one of both caution and inspiration. Mike built a $60M portfolio, lost everything, served a decade in federal prison, and then came back to reb…

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291-Unit The Altitude 970 In Kansas City, MO With Ivan Barratt, Multifamily Syndication Expert 24:47

2M ago24:47

24:47

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Ivan Barratt, CEO of The BAM Companies, about the world of successful multifamily real estate acquisitions. Learn how his company strategically acquired The Altitude 970, a 291-unit property in Kansas City, MO. Discover their precise off-market purchase strategy and hear about Ivan's unique "…

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#293: A Haunting Story of a Home-Run Deal That I F**ked Up... and What We Learned From It 14:47

3M ago14:47

14:47

Every investor has a deal that got away. For me, one in particular still stings—not because of market timing or bad luck, but because the failure was entirely within my control. In this solo episode, I share the story of a property I pursued back in 2018–2019 that had all the makings of a “holy grail” deal... and how I whiffed on it. More important…

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120-Unit Chevy Chase Apartments In Nacogdoches, TX With Ethan Diaz, Apartment Investing Expert 19:57

3M ago19:57

19:57

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Ethan Diaz, a full-time operator and syndicator, about the acquisition and long-term holding strategy for the 120-Unit Chevy Chase Apartments in Nacogdoches, TX. Discover how they navigated an off-market deal, negotiated the purchase price down, and structured a non-recourse Fannie Mae loan w…

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#292: Everyone Talks About Why Location Is Critical... But What Does That actually Mean When Underwriting Deals? 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

We’ve all heard it: location, location, location. But what does that really mean when you’re underwriting multifamily deals—and how should it actually impact your numbers? In this solo episode, I break down the real, tangible differences between buying in a good location versus a bad one—within the same asset class. Drawing from years of operating …

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114-Unit The Elwood In Kokomo, IN With Justin Goodin, Multifamily Developer & Syndicator 28:04

3M ago28:04

28:04

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily developer and syndicator Justin Goodin, who shares his acquisition of the 114-unit The Elwood in Kokomo, Indiana. He talks about acquiring the land, going through the entitlement process, and doing his own ground-up development. Justin provides insights into working with municipal…

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#291: Spend 30 Minutes a Week on These 3 Activities If You Want To Find More Multifamily Deals 7:53

3M ago7:53

7:53

Struggling to source more multifamily opportunities? The truth is, you don’t need 10 hours a week—you need just 30 focused minutes. In this solo episode, I break down the three high-ROI activities any investor can do weekly to uncover more deals and stay top-of-mind with the people who are most likely to send you opportunities. These simple actions…

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#290: Talking Current Events: The Growing Competition in Small Multifamily... Get it While The Getting is Good! 21:11

4M ago21:11

21:11

There’s a major shift happening in the small multifamily space—and if you’re not paying attention, you might miss your window. In this solo episode, I break down the growing competition in the small-to-mid-sized multifamily market and why it’s becoming harder to find an edge. We cover what’s changed, who’s entering the space, and how savvy investor…

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128-Unit Townhomes At Pine Hill In Griffin, GA With Andrew Cushman, Apartment Investing Expert 32:14

4M ago32:14

32:14

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment investing expert Andrew Cushman about his recent acquisition of the 128-unit Townhomes at Pine Hill in Griffin, Georgia. He shares how his stabilized value-add strategy helped a lot in closing the deal and navigating unexpected challenges they faced during the turnover. Andrew also …

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#289: The 5-Step Value-Add Process We Follow After Buying a Multifamily Property 12:53

4M ago12:53

12:53

Ever feel overwhelmed after closing on a multifamily deal? Not sure where to start—or in what order—to execute your business plan effectively? In this episode, I break down the five-step value-add process we follow after acquiring a multifamily property to our portfolio. Whether you're self-managing, have your property management firm or working wi…

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18-Unit Brighton Court In Elmira, NY With Michael Pansolini, Mobile Home Park Investing Expert 32:19

4M ago32:19

32:19

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews mobile home park investing expert Michael Pansolini, formerly of private equity giant Brookfield, as he spills the beans on ditching the corporate grind to dive headfirst into mobile home park investing. Get ready for a candid look at his inaugural deal, Brighton Court, including shocking due…

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#288: In 5 Minutes I Explain The One Thing That Separates Investors Who Rapidly Scale Vs. Those That Don't 7:00

4M ago7:00

7:00

Wondering why some real estate investors scale rapidly while others stay stuck for years? The answer is much simpler than you think. In this quick solo episode, I break down the one fundamental difference that sets fast-scaling investors apart—and how you can apply it to accelerate your own portfolio growth. Whether you're just starting or looking …

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30-Unit The Kenmore In Chicago, IL With Joseph Root, Multifamily Investor 32:31

4M ago32:31

32:31

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily investor Joseph Root, who details his recent purchase of the 30-unit The Kenmore in Chicago, Illinois. He shares how he and his team focused on properties often overlooked by most investors to gain favorable terms and avoid a lot of headaches during the entire acquisition process.…

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#287: Struggling To Make Confident Investment Decisions During This Time of World/Economic Uncertainty? Here Are Some Mindset Shifts and Tactical Tips To Help 17:15

5M ago17:15

17:15

In this episode, we sit down to talk through a challenge many investors are facing: how to confidently make investment decisions amid global tension, economic uncertainty, and nonstop headlines. Drawing from recent conversations with LPs and operators, Axel unpacks the mindset shifts and practical tactics investors can use to stay focused and make …

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136-Unit Icon On Headley In Tucson, AZ With Gary Lipsky, Apartment Syndication Expert 27:54

5M ago27:54

27:54

Whitney Elkins-Hutton of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Gary Lipsky, owner of the private equity real estate firm Break of Day Capital, on the high-stakes world of multifamily real estate deals, specifically dissecting the intricate acquisition of the Icon at Hadley property in Tucson, Arizona. Gary unravels the layers of due diligence, navigates …

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#286: How We Overcome The 3 Most Common Objections From Sellers + Launching the NH Multifamily Fund III 16:08

5M ago16:08

16:08

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners, to break down the three most common objections sellers give—and exactly how to respond to them effectively. Whether you're negotiating direct-to-seller deals or just want to sharpen your acquisition skills, this solo episode is packed with actionable takeawa…

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109-Unit Oaks At Jane Lane In Fort Worth, TX With Nick DiLeone, Multifamily Syndicator 28:57

5M ago28:57

28:57

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily syndicator Nick DiLeone, who shares his acquisition of a 109-unit Oaks at Jane Lane in Fort Worth, Texas. He breaks down his experiences and strategies with due diligence, capital raising, and initial property inspections. Nick also shares the factors that could make or break your…

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#285: The 3 Financial Reasons To Hire a PM Company... OUTSIDE Of The Time Savings 11:12

6M ago11:12

11:12

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, for a practical solo breakdown of three overlooked financial advantages of hiring a property management company. While most investors think of property management as a time-saving decision, Axel explains how the right PM can also improve your bottom line through better vendor pricing, optimized lea…

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11-Unit Chestnut In High Point, NC With Cindy West, Apartment Investor 26:22

6M ago26:22

26:22

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Cindy West, a former attorney turned real estate investor who took on her first multifamily deal: the 11-unit Chestnut in High Point, North Carolina. In this episode, Cindy shares her journey of acquiring the property for $650,000, revealing how she secured the deal from a wholesaler, navigat…

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#284: The Precise 12-Step Process Investors Can Follow To Buy Their First (Or Next) Multifamily Deal 12:14

6M ago12:14

12:14

In this episode, we sit down for another tactical solo episode that lays out the exact 12-step process investors can follow to buy their first—or next—multifamily deal. From setting crystal-clear criteria to building broker relationships and mastering the follow-up, walking through each step in detail, offering practical tips that are easy to imple…

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54-Unit in North Russell In Missoula, MT With Joe Rinderknecht And Levi Allen, Multifamily Investors 38:21

6M ago38:21

38:21

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews two modern-day cowboys—Joe Rinderknecht and Levi Allen—who traded farming, ranching, and construction for multifamily real estate, and just closed their first big deal together: North Russell, a 54-unit property in Missoula, Montana. In this episode, they share how their small-town roots shap…

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#283: How PMs Can Asset Manage, Leveraging Technology, and Building a 1,000+ Unit PM Company with Casey Howe 43:11

6M ago43:11

43:11

In this episode, we sit down with Casey Howe, founder of Howe Property Management, a New England-based firm managing over 1,000+ multifamily units. Casey shares his journey from SaaS and tech sales to building one of the region’s most tech-forward property management companies—offering a refreshing, systems-driven perspective on how PMs can evolve …

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218-Unit Hangar On Emerson In Greenwood, IN With Jon Siegel, Apartment Investing Expert 23:57

6M ago23:57

23:57

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily expert Jon Siegel of RailField Partners for a deep dive into a high-stakes, $52 million, 218-unit acquisition in Greenwood, Indiana. In this episode, John reveals how his team navigated a competitive bidding process, structured a complex 1031 Exchange, and broke into a brand-new m…

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#282: Building a Robust Organization That Owns/Operates 1,000+ Multifamily Units and Flips 100s of SFHs with Brian Ferguson 46:40

6M ago46:40

46:40

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Ferguson, a real estate entrepreneur whose company owns and operates over 1,000 multifamily units, hundreds of single-family flips per year, and manages a significant retail portfolio. Brian shares how he built a vertically integrated business over the past two decades—and how operators can scale their team, …

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182-Unit Cape Fear Estates In Fayetteville, NC With Ryan Narus, Mobile Home Investing Expert 42:44

6M ago42:44

42:44

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Ryan Narus, a seasoned multifamily investor and founder of The Archimedes Group, for an inside look at a wild ride into mobile home park investing. Get ready for a story of bankruptcy battles and strategic bidding wars, as Ryan unveils the details of acquiring the 182-unit Cape Fear Estates i…