In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Austin Masket, founder and Chief Investment Officer of Riverly Capital. With a background as a commercial broker and portfolio manager for a family office, Austin brings a seasoned and data-driven approach to multifamily investing and distressed debt acquisition. His firm focuses on creating risk-adjusted, tax-advantaged returns in key U.S. markets like Denver, Atlanta, and Phoenix.

Austin’s early exposure to real estate came from his family, but his professional foundation was shaped at Marcus & Millichap. That experience gave him direct access to institutional-level underwriting, which later informed his strategy as a portfolio manager. Now at Riverly Capital, he specializes in acquiring multifamily assets and distressed debt with a sharp eye on entry point, tenant demographics, and economic cycles.

Jonathan and Austin break down how missteps in the last economic cycle, especially during the COVID-era boom, created today’s distressed opportunities. They discuss the mismatch between cap rates and interest rates, why overleveraged syndications are struggling, and how Austin’s team identifies assets with true upside. Austin explains how Riverly uses deal-by-deal capital raising to maintain discipline, and why chasing volume can lead to trouble.

The episode also explores Austin’s outlook for the next market cycle. He walks through supply and demand imbalances, the coming drop in new construction deliveries, and how strategic acquisition of non-performing debt offers a short-term window for experienced investors. For those focused on buying right and building durable returns, this conversation highlights the benefits of in-depth analysis, patient capital, and understanding where the market is headed, not just where it has been.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lessons Austin Masket carried over from brokerage into asset management

• The mechanics behind acquiring and working out distressed debt

• How overleveraged deals from the COVID boom are unraveling

• The appeal of Class B and C multifamily assets in today’s market

• Entry strategies that favor strong tenant bases and proven demand

• Why patient capital and disciplined underwriting lead to stronger returns

• What makes debt acquisition a strategic move in a tightening cycle

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Supporting Resources:

Riverly Capital website - riverlycap.com

Riverly Capital on Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573078168565

Connect with Austin Masket on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/austin-masket1

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

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