Multifamily Investor Nation

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily operator Chris Lento as he shares his journey from aerospace engineer to scaling a nearly 1,000-unit portfolio and acquiring a $26M, 126-unit property in Conyers, Georgia. In this episode, Chris breaks down how he found the deal, navigated a competitive process, and secured it at an attractive basis. He also dives into underwriting, due diligence, capital structure, and the real challenges behind managing and improving a large multifamily asset. If you want a clear, real-world look at how experienced investors source, analyze, and execute large deals—while avoiding common pitfalls—this conversation deli...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Lane Kawaoka of The Wealth Elevator in this exclusive episode to deep-dive into the full lifecycle of a notable multifamily deal: Courtney Square Apartments, 96 units located in Huntsville, Alabama. Discover the unconventional acquisition strategy that secured this Class B property at a "smoking amazing" price of $50,000 per unit right before the market peaked. Lane reveals the strategic rationale behind putting long-term fixed-rate debt on the asset and how his team navigated the business plan amidst rising interest rates and "rent softness" that hit the market from 2022 to 2024. Most crucially, learn how Lane successfully...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Michael Pansolini, who shares about his acquisition of the 18-unit Grand Central Mobile Home Community in Horseheads, New York. He explains how his institutional background and relationship with the local park owners played a role in executing his New York-specific strategy and sourced this off-market deal. Michael also discusses the ingredients of a good professional partnership, specifically when managing single-family homes within a mobile home park. Tune in to hear the full story and learn how you can master the mobile home park asset class.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Lisa Moore, a former finance executive turned multifamily investor, about the acquisition of the 18-unit Bernice Apartments in Lansing, a suburb of Chicago. What started as a seemingly turnkey deal quickly revealed unpaid tenants, inaccurate rent rolls, and a complex master lease negotiation. Lisa breaks down how she re-traded the purchase price from $2.1M to $1.7M, structured a bridge loan at 12% interest, and navigated evictions, squatters, and a property management change. She shares how her background in finance and her husband’s construction expertise helped them pivot the business plan, underwrite a heavy va...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Sam Morris of LSCRE about the $44M acquisition of Discovery at West Road, a 280-unit multifamily property in Houston’s Cypress submarket. Sam explains how financial—not physical—distress created the opportunity and why certainty of close mattered more than being the highest bidder. He walks through in-house due diligence, uncovering operational issues, deferred maintenance, and the decision to replace on-site management immediately after takeover. The conversation also covers the 5-year Freddie Mac fixed-rate, interest-only loan at 65% LTV, the equity raise, a 7% preferred return with a 70/30 split, and how declining insurance costs in Housto...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Jon Siegel of RailField about the 288-unit Springfield Apartments in Durham, North Carolina, diving into every step of this multifamily acquisition. Jon shares how he first discovered the property, the twists and timing that led to closing the deal, and the challenges of assuming a Fannie Mae loan. He breaks down the detailed due diligence process, including inspecting units, evaluating the market, and navigating unexpected issues like outdated breaker panels, while ensuring insurance and taxes were managed effectively. The conversation also covers how he structured a programmatic joint venture with institutional partners, the...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Caleb Johnson of Red Sea Capital Group to dive deep into a 14-unit studio in Van Buren, a redevelopment in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona and unpack the real-world challenges behind acquiring a bank-owned, 1940s-era property—from navigating hard money lending and skyrocketing rehab costs to pivoting business plans when co-living no longer penciled. Caleb shares candid insights on due diligence for vacant assets, negotiating purchase price, raising capital in a cautious market, and why experience and the right team matter more than chasing big returns. If you want a transparent, deal-level breakdown of...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Robert Martinez about his acquisition of the 118-Unit Waterchase Apartments in Humble, Texas. Instead of going down the usual investing route, Robert has decided to do a recapitalization and use a five-year floating-rate bridge loan. He breaks down his unique free structure, the attractiveness of long-term ownership, and what it takes to navigate a pretty scary and unpredictable real estate market. Don't miss this masterclass in asset management and value creation.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Nick Stageberg of Black Swan Real Estate, a dynamic real estate private equity firm, as they dive deep into the fascinating world of distressed multifamily acquisition. Stageberg unpacks the complex purchase of Rainbow Plaza Apartments, a 105-unit "Franken building" in Anoka, Minnesota. He reveals the strategy his firm used to navigate buying this distressed asset from a nonprofit, including the shocking detail of doubling the Net Operating Income (NOI) on the day of closing. The discussion goes tactical as they detail the highly unusual, but highly favorable, financing stack: assuming a low-rate Freddie...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Lee Yoder, a seasoned investor and former physical therapist, who shares his incredible journey from clinical director to successful syndicator, navigating the complexities of large-scale real estate. Discover the intricate details of his 414-unit "The Villas" deal spread across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, including the challenges of securing financing with five different loans, the unexpected due diligence surprises, and the strategies for building a high-performing property management team. Lee offers valuable insights into identifying unique opportunities in rural markets and the importance of perseverance in overcoming significant obstacles in multifamily real estate.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily investor Percy Nikora about his acquisition of the 192-unit Spring Forest in Mebane, North Carolina. He shares insights into the deal-sourcing process, mired with some negotiating challenges with attorneys. Percy also delves into the physical and financial due diligence, as well as how he brought in institutional money to boost revenue while mitigating risks.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment investing expert Karl Krauskopf as he shares the story behind acquiring and repositioning the 20-unit Westwood Townhomes in Wenatchee, Washington. Karl reveals how local expertise and quick action turned a competitive listing into a winning deal, breaking down his three-day path from tour to contract, a $345,000 negotiation win, and his approach to value-add renovations that enhance both returns and livability. With candid lessons on financing, tenant relations, and ethical investing, he offers a grounded look at building success in multifamily investing through discipline, empathy, and long-term vision.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews multifamily investor Aaron Fragnito, who talks about his acquisition of the 42-unit Henry Street in Passaic, New Jersey. He breaks down everything they went through in renovating the 90-year-old building, from dealing with plumbing issues to taking care of termite damage. Aaron also shares their challenges in dealing with tenants, how they raised money to secure the property, and why they require a “green card” for their non-New Jersey clients.

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, a C-building in an A-location. Ben shares invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of financing a 50% vacant property with a construction-to-permanent loan, the meticulous due diligence process with a seasoned team, and his effective capital raising strategies, including a 75/25 split and a 6% preferred return for investors. Learn about his...

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. Ashley explores the challenges and triumphs of securing funding, overcoming unexpected hurdles, and doing on-site inspections. He also emphasizes the importance of conservative underwriting and the invaluable experiences to be gained from stressful moments.

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 regarding housing finance corporations or HFCs. Will also talks about the surprisingly good condition of their recently acquired property that gave way to a smooth due diligence, despite being built in 1969.

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 he used his local market knowledge to gain a competitive advantage in his property acquisition, the right way to handle unexpected positives of a deal, and the importance of having a long-term vision.

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 Hampshire. He emphasizes crucial terms and a deep understanding of seller motivations. Discover how he secured the property without being the top bidder.

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 diligence. He also covers bridging financing for heavy value-add projects. Plus, he explains navigating unexpected property violations and economic occupancy challenges. Their goal was to transform a neglected asset into a thriving community.

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 "drop and swap" closing technique, which offers a significant advantage. They also discuss how they optimized their capital stack, incorporating preferred equity to enhance returns. This allowed them to achieve strong performance on a Class A asset, even in a challenging market. Ivan also shares insights into their disciplined underwriting process...

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 with a 7-year term. Ethan also shares insights into their rigorous due diligence process and their investor partnership structure, including a 7/30 split and 7% preferred return, revealing the challenges and successes of raising capital in a fluctuating market.

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 municipalities, structuring financial deals, and handling environmental issues in a newly acquired property. He also reveals his strategy of developing and selling properties rather than holding and managing them for long-term.

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 reveals why they moved away from preferred returns and provides insights into how they structure their fees.  

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 diligence surprises, the unique hurdles and hidden gems of the mobile home park world, and the ingenious 50/50 partnership that unlocked massive value-add potential.

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. Joseph also discusses how to navigate loan assumptions, what it is like to increase earnest money, and the benefits of a long-term hold strategy in a dynamic market like Chicago.

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 the nuanced landscape of financing with life insurance companies, and meticulously details how his firm sculpts deals with investors, covering everything from diverse investment classes to unique fee structures. Get ready for a candid look at the triumphs and tribulations encountered during this complex acquisition journey.

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 insurance, how he handles loans and debts, and why perseverance is a key characteristic in the world of real estate.

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, navigated unexpected electrical issues, and managed to refinance the property at a significantly higher appraisal of $1.05 million. Listen in as Cindy discusses her strategies for negotiating with the seller, securing hard money loans, managing vacancies, and ultimately achieving an "infinite return" by strategically repositioning the property. This is...

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 shaped a values-driven partnership, how they sourced and secured a hot off-market deal in under 24 hours, and how integrity and grit helped them win over the seller—despite higher offers on the table. Whether you’re a seasoned syndicator or just starting out, their journey from boots to buildings is packed w...

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 market outside their typical footprint. From deal sourcing and underwriting to strategy and execution, get the behind-the-scenes look at how institutional-level multifamily investing really works — and what it takes to win.

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 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Dive deep into the complexities of purchasing a property out of foreclosure, navigating lender relationships, and the surprising realities of financial due diligence in this unique asset class. Ryan shares his journey from living in a mobile home to closing...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Chase Murphy, a seasoned real estate developer and home builder with 15 years of experience in the multifamily space. They delve into Chase's recent acquisition of a 14-unit duplex property on St. Joe Road in Sellersburg, Indiana, discussing the creative equity swap deal that made it possible after a decade of relationship building. Chase shares insights on securing lending through a local credit union, his due diligence process, and his unique exit strategy involving potential lot splitting and individual sales. Tune in to learn how to leverage equity, nurture long-term relationships, and identify hidden...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment syndicator Phil Moeller about his acquisition of the 30-unit The Henley in Troy, Ohio. He emphasizes the importance of speed, clear communication, and a strong relationship with a local bank to successfully close a real estate deal. Phil also talks about dealing with public private debt, handling an in-house property management team, and the challenges of dealing with less experienced house sellers.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Rob Beardsley, a visionary expert in Houston multifamily investing. This episode unpacks a fascinating 240-unit property at Copper Leaf in Houston, TX, and delves into the nuances of REIT acquisitions and innovative financing strategies that define Houston Multifamily Investing. Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading transformative deals, offering fresh insights into due diligence, bridge loans, and strategic investor partnerships. His clear, practical approach provides a roadmap for those looking to excel in today’s dynamic real estate market. Explore more about his groundbreaking work at Lone Star and get inspired to...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Wayne Courreges III who breaks down his Candleridge Park deal, a 128-unit multifamily property in Houston, Texas. Together, they discuss the ins and outs of financing, the current market conditions, and the importance of strategic decision-making in today’s real estate landscape. Wayne also shares his approach to evaluating properties, securing loan assumptions, and ensuring long-term investment success. Whether you are an active investor or someone getting started in multifamily real estate, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating the current competitive market scene.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Sam Rust, co-founder of Life Bridge Capital, about his journey in multifamily investing and acquiring The Diamond. Sam shares his transition into real estate investing, his first syndication deal in 2018, and his partnership with Whitney Sewell at Life Bridge Capital, which currently owns and operates over 1500 units. The conversation then shifts to their recent acquisition, The Diamond, a 54-unit mixed-use property in Parkville, Missouri, purchased for $13 million. Sam shares details on the acquisition process, property specifics, financing, due diligence, and challenges faced. Tune in to learn from Sam's experience and gain valuable insights...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment syndication expert Matt Faircloth, who pulls back the curtain on his 36-unit Avanti in Red Wing, MN. Matt's journey into real estate is anything but ordinary. He shares how DeRosa Group evolved from managing their own properties to collaborating with developers and dives deep into the nitty-gritty of his Avanti deal. Get ready for an insider's perspective as Matt candidly discusses the hurdles he overcame, including the challenge of construction costs, the strategic maneuvering required to secure valuable government incentives, and the power of building partnerships. Don't miss this opportunity to learn...

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Nick Stageberg to discuss his latest investment journey at Mandolin Place. With its 72 units in Austin, Minnesota, this property exemplifies the transformation of distressed assets into thriving communities. Nick delves into his creative negotiation strategies, financing challenges, and value-add approaches that set this project apart. Whether you are a seasoned investor or new to multifamily real estate, this episode delivers insights into unlocking the potential of underperforming properties.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Devin Elder to discuss the acquisition and management of Stratton Park, a 127-unit multifamily asset in San Antonio, Texas. Devin shares his journey from corporate life to building a thriving real estate business, emphasizing the importance of broker relationships and strategic financing decisions. Discover actionable insights on navigating challenges, creating value in multifamily properties, and the operational strategies that drive success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to real estate, this episode offers practical advice to inspire your next move.

Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews apartment syndication expert Arleen Garza to discuss her recent multifamily property acquisitions in Houston, Texas: the 283-unit Oaks of Kingwood and Sunrise at Atascocita. Arleen shares her journey in apartment syndication, detailing the strategies behind securing the properties and the value-add improvements planned to increase returns. From navigating competitive markets to maximizing income potential, this episode offers insights for both seasoned and aspiring multifamily investors looking to enhance their real estate portfolios.