Multifamily Insights
Each week, John Casmon speaks with real estate pros and marketing specialists to provide useful tips for multifamily investing. Listen and learn insights for market research, finding deals, attracting capital, and growing your portfolio.
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How to Make Investments Passive in 90 Days with Michael Hoffmann, Ep. 719
06/06/2025
How to Make Investments Passive in 90 Days with Michael Hoffmann, Ep. 719
Michael Hoffmann, also known as “Mr. Passive,” is a real estate investor, vending entrepreneur, and advocate for time freedom through smart investing. Starting from humble beginnings in rural Iowa and a 60-hour-a-week coaching job, Mike leveraged a $70,000 fixer-upper into a thriving portfolio—including real estate, vending machines, e-commerce, and Bitcoin mining. He now teaches others how to create scalable passive income using creativity, trends, and delegation. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Mike started his investing journey with a $1,200/month salary and turned a small rental into a life of financial flexibility. He follows a 30-60-90 rule to make every investment passive within the first 90 days. Vending routes and unattended retail offer high-margin, scalable passive income opportunities beyond traditional real estate. He uses trends and automation—like AI-based vending—to identify untapped markets. Asset flexibility and time buyback are central to his investment philosophy. Topics From $1,200 a Month to Passive Investor Started in college athletics making just $1,200/month while working 60+ hours per week. Bought a $70K turnkey rental and later scaled through 1031 exchanges. Focused early on delegating property management to stay hands-off. Creative Wealth-Building with Real Estate Leveraged 1% rule and capital gains to buy a condo, then pivoted to short-term rentals in high-growth areas. Built and rented out an ADU in Oregon to double rental income from a single lot. Invested in land outside city limits and is developing duplexes permitted as townhomes for long-term flexibility. Unattended Retail: The 21st Century Lemonade Stand Owns 100+ vending machine locations generating $100K/month. Transitioned from old-school machines to smart, AI-enabled retail kiosks offering allergy meds, protein bars, and over-the-counter products. Hires route operators from the gig economy and uses GMs to stay completely passive in the business. Passive Income Across Asset Classes Invests in Bitcoin mining, e-commerce, and unattended markets. Believes in analyzing trends and entering where customer needs are evolving. Inspired by a vending machine experience at an airport that charged $3 for water—realized someone was profiting while he was grinding. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Michael up for success: A breakup led him to move cross-country and discover real estate and entrepreneurship through discomfort. Digital or mobile resource: YouTube – for free, in-depth, community-driven education across every investment topic. Book recommendation: by Mike Michalowicz – a favorite for financial structure in both business and personal life by Dan Martell – redefines the value of outsourcing to regain control of your calendar Daily habit: Early mornings and regular exercise for energy, clarity, and consistency. #1 insight for investing passively: Find people smarter than you—and let them do the heavy lifting. Favorite restaurant in Eugene, OR: . Next Steps Learn more about passive vending opportunities at Subscribe to his . Re-evaluate your time investments—are you buying time or trading it away? Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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How to Keep Your Money and Stick It to the IRS with Sherry Peel Jackson, Ep. 718
06/03/2025
How to Keep Your Money and Stick It to the IRS with Sherry Peel Jackson, Ep. 718
Sherry Peel Jackson is a retired IRS agent, CPA, and Certified Fraud Examiner who now dedicates her work to helping everyday people understand how to reduce their taxes, protect their income, and build wealth. With over 35 years of experience and a mission to educate the middle class, Sherry teaches strategies used by the wealthy to keep more of what they earn—including how to legally avoid taxes, structure businesses wisely, and protect assets. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Sherry exposes the disparity in how the IRS treats mom-and-pop businesses versus large corporations. Starting a home-based business opens up powerful tax deductions not available to W-2 employees. Keeping thorough records, especially receipts, is essential for audit protection—credit card statements alone won’t cut it. The KPG system (Keep, Protect, Grow) is Sherry’s core framework for achieving financial independence. Protecting assets through proper legal structuring, including out-of-state LLCs and foundations, shields wealth from lawsuits and unnecessary taxes. Topics From IRS Agent to Advocate Worked for the IRS from 1988–1995 before launching her own CPA firm. Witnessed firsthand how small businesses were targeted while corporations often negotiated huge tax reductions. Left the IRS to empower middle-class earners with insider knowledge the wealthy use every day. Home-Based Businesses and Tax Deductions Employees are severely limited in tax deductions—no mileage, phone, or home internet write-offs. By launching a simple home-based business, individuals gain access to numerous write-offs. Sherry encourages clients to start a business they enjoy to unlock these tax benefits without burnout. Recordkeeping and Audit Preparedness Debit and credit card statements are NOT valid proof during audits—receipts are required. Recommends either scanning receipts into apps or making photocopies to preserve them. Supports clients during IRS audits and often helps them overturn excessive assessments. The KPG System: Keep, Protect, Grow Keep: Slash unnecessary expenses, eliminate debt, and live frugally while building income. Protect: Use legal structures (e.g., LLCs in Wyoming, NM) to shield assets and ensure anonymity. Grow: Reinvest profits into physical gold/silver and real estate—not depreciating assets like TVs or cars. Advanced Wealth Strategies Uses infinite banking policies to store wealth and acquire real estate tax-efficiently. Leverages the Augusta Rule—renting her home to her business for up to 14 days tax-free. Teaches the use of trusts and foundations to legally reduce taxes and protect generational wealth. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Sherry up for success: Post-COVID, a poorly attended live event turned into a win when one attendee became a long-term premium client. Digital or mobile resource: — File federal taxes for free, with optional state filing for $15. Book recommendation: — co-authored with her mentor, Myron Golden, blending mindset and tax strategy. Daily habit: Morning meditation and self-talk: “You’re not running anything with your mouth—get up and take action.” #1 insight for keeping, protecting, and growing wealth: Track your spending daily. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Favorite restaurant in Atlanta, GA: Next Steps Explore books and coaching at Audit your business structure and make sure you’re using the right entity for your goals Consider implementing the Augusta Rule or infinite banking strategies to reduce taxes legally Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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From Door to Door to Flipping Homes with Nathan Payne, Ep. 717
05/30/2025
From Door to Door to Flipping Homes with Nathan Payne, Ep. 717
Nathan Payne is the co-founder of Offer on Homes and Investor Drive, a wholesaling investment firm and real estate coaching platform helping investors scale their portfolios the “Painless” way. With a background in door-to-door sales and a passion for autonomy, Nathan has built a thriving real estate business while living his dream lifestyle in rural Ontario. He specializes in wholesaling, flipping, and coaching clients through real-world deals using a hands-on apprenticeship model. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Nathan transitioned from door-to-door sales to real estate after seeking a lifestyle with more autonomy and time freedom. He emphasizes real-world coaching through deal partnerships, not just video courses or information dumps. Wholesaling success comes from embracing rejection, refining your sales process, and staying persistent through messy deals. Building savings and having a support system are critical when transitioning into entrepreneurship. Real estate investing should align with your lifestyle goals—not just financial benchmarks. Topics From Sales Hustler to Rural Investor Started in door-to-door sales before quitting to launch a real estate business with his roommate. Lacked marketing and deal flow at first, but invested heavily in coaching and mentorship to improve. After seven years in the business, he moved with his family to a farm in Ontario, living a slower, intentional life. Lessons from the Early Grind Faced rejections, lost contracts, and failed deals when first starting. Learned that sales tactics differ between products—urgency pressure may work for cable, not for homes. Paid for mentorship after realizing trial-and-error was too costly and time-consuming. Painless Flipping and Coaching Philosophy Teaches students by reviewing live deals, helping them qualify leads, and even partnering on closings. Emulates an apprenticeship model: direct feedback, ongoing support, and real deal experience. Rejects the passive “info-only” coaching model in favor of outcome-driven partnerships. Living With Purpose, Not Pressure No longer driven by money—prioritizes time with family and coaching a handful of serious clients. Believes success is defined by clarity and self-awareness, not vanity metrics or hustle culture. Coaches students to align investing strategy with lifestyle goals from day one. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Nathan up for success: Early in marriage, he focused too much on money and not enough on being present—this taught him to reprioritize family above all. Digital or mobile resource: — a must-use tool for business efficiency and content creation. Book recommendation: by Dan Sullivan — a mindset-shifting read on thinking bigger while simplifying your focus. Daily habit: Reviews OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) and life vision daily to ensure each task aligns with long-term goals. #1 insight for wholesaling properties: Don’t do it unless you’re ready for an emotional roller coaster—real estate deals rarely go perfectly. Favorite restaurant in Ontario: . Next Steps Explore Nathan’s hands-on coaching at Evaluate your current investing strategy: is it aligned with the lifestyle you actually want? Don’t just seek information—find a mentor who will walk with you through your next deal. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Lessons Learned from $100M in Apartments to 10 Years in Prison with Mike Morawski, Ep. 716
05/27/2025
Lessons Learned from $100M in Apartments to 10 Years in Prison with Mike Morawski, Ep. 716
Mike Morawski is a 30-year real estate investing veteran, author, speaker, and founder of My Core Intentions. Over the course of his career, he’s controlled more than $450 million in real estate, scaling a portfolio of 4,000 units and a property management company overseeing 7,500 doors. Mike’s journey includes extraordinary growth, painful setbacks—including federal prison—and a powerful comeback centered around coaching, transparency, and helping others build wealth through multifamily investing. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Mike built a $100M real estate business but lost it all and spent time in federal prison due to nondisclosure and overextension during the 2008 crash. His biggest lessons: don’t grow too fast, avoid over-leverage, never be undercapitalized, pay attention to detail, and surround yourself with the right people. He now focuses on ethical investing, transparency, and long-term strategy while helping others avoid similar mistakes. Mike uses creative deal structuring, including seller financing and assumptions, even on large multifamily assets. He believes the current market presents one of the best opportunities in a generation to build long-term wealth. Topics From Building to Breaking to Rebuilding Built a $100M syndication portfolio between 2005–2008, including 4,000 units and 38 companies. The 2008 crash triggered liquidity issues, leading to improper fund transfers across companies without investor disclosure. Sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. There, he wrote two books, taught ethics and real estate, and earned a degree in theology. Today, he coaches investors and shares his story to help others avoid similar missteps. The Five Lessons He Now Teaches Everyone Don’t grow too fast—scaling without structure leads to collapse. Don’t over-leverage—he recommends staying under 65% LTV. Don’t be undercapitalized—lack of reserves causes panic decisions. Pay attention to details—asset management is where deals live or die. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth—and listen to them. Creative Financing for Multifamily Deals Mike dispels the myth that creative structures are only for single-family. Shared a case study of a 450-unit deal acquired with a $12.5M loan assumption and $2.5M seller carryback—no new equity. These deals still exist if you listen to sellers and find their pain points. Market Cycles and Timing Believes we’re at the bottom of the current cycle and entering a major wealth transfer phase. Urges investors to act now while cautioning against recklessness—stress-test underwriting and be conservative. Expects shorter, more volatile cycles in the future, making education and adaptability more important than ever. Resources for Passive Investors Created a free risk-tolerance quiz to help LPs understand their investor profile and make better decisions. Advocates for transparency and full disclosure between sponsors and passive partners—especially in turbulent markets. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Mike up for success: His 8-year federal prison sentence humbled and transformed him—helped him rebuild his life spiritually, emotionally, and professionally with integrity. Digital or mobile resource: for educational content His institutional-grade underwriting tool that stress-tests assumptions FEMA.gov, BestPlaces.net, and CrimeReports.org for site selection Book recommendation: by Tim Grover — a tough-love mindset guide from the coach of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade Daily habit: Morning meditation and prayer, followed by a gym workout—designed for clarity, focus, and intentionality #1 insight for bouncing back from failure: You must take action. Don’t hide from mistakes—share your story and use it to serve others. Favorite restaurant in Huntington Beach, CA: Joey’s Next Steps Learn more about Mike’s coaching and resources at Take the free investor risk profile quiz by texting INVESTOR to (224) 269-6700 Revisit your own investing approach—are you being conservative, transparent, and strategic? Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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$50M Portfolio of Multifamily and Strategic Projects with Wayne Courreges III, Ep. 715
05/23/2025
$50M Portfolio of Multifamily and Strategic Projects with Wayne Courreges III, Ep. 715
Wayne Courreges III is a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of CRI Partners, a real estate investment firm focused on building generational wealth through multifamily and entrepreneurial assets. After a 16-year career in asset and property management with CBRE, Wayne transitioned full-time to real estate investing in 2023. He now leads a $50M portfolio that spans value-add multifamily, RV/boat storage development, and strategic commercial projects in Texas and the Southeast. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Wayne’s journey from Marine Corps to CBRE to full-time real estate entrepreneur was fueled by long-term vision and layered income streams. Asset management and development experience allowed him to take calculated risks while building CRI Partners. His model includes multifamily investments (80%) and entrepreneurial projects like RV/boat storage and mixed-use developments (20%). For passive investors, education is key—ask the right questions, vet the sponsor, and understand the deal before wiring money. Taking action and surrounding yourself with experienced mentors are essential to building momentum and avoiding costly mistakes. Topics From W-2 to Full-Time Investor Started investing while working in commercial real estate at CBRE. Created income through asset management fees, acquisition fees, and development work before making the leap. Made the switch when he realized he couldn’t serve both CBRE clients and investors at the level they deserved. Why Multifamily Is Still the Foundation 80% of his portfolio is traditional value-add multifamily across Houston and San Antonio. Focuses on deals in strong, secondary markets with stable rent growth and access to workforce housing. Prioritizes transparency, conservative underwriting, and investor trust. Entrepreneurial Investments: RV, Boat & Business Storage Developed a 20x50 enclosed storage facility based on lessons from a successful Huntsville, AL deal. Business tenants include HVAC companies, disaster response teams, stagers, athletic companies, ranchers, and state agencies. Facility design and location (highway visibility, 100k+ population) drive demand and retention. Diversification Through Local Development Acquired and rezoned 12 acres for a 150-unit multifamily development and SpringHill Suites hotel in Bryan, TX. Emphasizes that high-risk projects like these are only pursued when they’re local and manageable. Maintains a disciplined approach—stabilize one asset before scaling the next. Educating Passive Investors Created to help LPs learn how to vet sponsors, markets, and opportunities. Teaches how to assess underwriting, ask better questions, and avoid the most common mistakes. Encourages LPs to start small and grow confidence through informed investing. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Wayne up for success: Bought a deal in 2022 with bridge debt that required course-correction. Survived the rough patch by refinancing, cutting CapEx, and doubling down on communication with lenders and investors. Digital or mobile resource: for LP education Google Earth and BestPlaces.net for evaluating new markets FEMA.gov for early flood zone vetting CrimeReports.org for local safety data Book recommendation: & Daily habit: Schedules each day as either a Focus, Buffer, or Free Day using the Dan Sullivan model—ensuring time is carved out for deep work, meetings, or personal recovery. #1 insight for investing across asset classes: Know your strengths, and partner with people who complement them. Stay humble and build teams that offset your blind spots. Favorite restaurant in Texas: & Next Steps Learn more at Get free passive investor training at Explore both stable and entrepreneurial deals—but know the difference in risk, return, and responsibility Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Building Your Real Estate Investing Team with Athena Brownson, Ep. 714
05/20/2025
Building Your Real Estate Investing Team with Athena Brownson, Ep. 714
Athena Brownson is a former professional skier turned top-performing real estate agent, investor, and developer based in Denver, Colorado. After a career-ending battle with Lyme disease, she reinvented herself through real estate—combining her background in interior design and her passion for people into a thriving business. Athena is known for helping clients build long-term financial wellness through homeownership and strategic real estate investing, and she’s especially focused on education, resilience, and relationship-driven service. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Athena began investing by house-hacking her primary residences, using a “live in it, then rent it” model to build her portfolio. She transitioned from interior design to real estate after recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit and desire for scalable impact. Investors must plan for CapEx reserves, property management, and insurance complications—especially in regulated markets like Denver. Building the right team is critical; your broker should be your connector to vetted contractors, lenders, and legal resources. Resilience—built through adversity and chronic illness—is the core of Athena’s mindset and professional approach. Topics From Ski Slopes to Showings Grew up in Breckenridge and became a pro skier by 15, competing for over a decade. Following multiple injuries and health challenges, transitioned to interior design, then real estate. Initially skeptical of real estate, she found mentorship and reframed her perception of agents through relationship-driven models. How She Built Her Real Estate Portfolio Started by purchasing homes, living in them, and turning them into rentals after two years. Leveraged Denver’s strong appreciation to build long-term wealth without chasing high cash flow. Encourages clients to follow a similar path using primary residences as investment stepping stones. Investor vs. Homeowner Mentality Homeowners often buy emotionally; investors must approach with a long-term, data-driven mindset. Good investor agents should provide data on appreciation, vacancy, rental income, and CapEx projections. Understanding local laws, tenant rights, and insurance challenges is crucial for profitable investing. Why the Right Team Matters Your agent should introduce you to reliable property managers, lenders, contractors, and insurance brokers. Denver is a highly regulated market—landlord-tenant law varies even by neighborhood. Without the right team, investors risk costly missteps, code violations, and legal exposure. Resilience Through Adversity Diagnosed with Lyme disease, Athena rebuilt her career by focusing on real estate as her purpose and outlet. Her story highlights how clarity of mission and community service can create fulfillment and long-term success. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Athena up for success: Being diagnosed with Lyme disease forced her to reevaluate everything—and ultimately helped her discover her calling in real estate. Digital or mobile resource: U-Haul Migration Reports — a unique, underused resource to track population shifts and identify hot investment markets. Book recommendation: by Ryan Serhant — an energizing read that reignites motivation and sharpens real estate strategy. Daily habit: Structured morning and evening routines—journaling, affirmations, and short meditation sessions to stay focused and intentional. #1 insight for building resiliency: Find your “why.” Without a purpose that gets you out of bed, it’s impossible to build long-term strength and focus. Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: Next Steps Visit to connect and learn more Review your current team—broker, PM, lender, legal—and make sure each member knows your investment goals and market landscape Start simple: consider using your next home purchase as a launch point for building your portfolio Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Don’t Make These Legal Mistakes with Jonathan Feniak, Ep. 713
05/16/2025
Don’t Make These Legal Mistakes with Jonathan Feniak, Ep. 713
Jonathan Feniak is a business attorney and the driving force behind . After successful careers in logistics and finance, he became a licensed attorney at 45 to help make legal protection and business formation more accessible to entrepreneurs. Jonathan now helps clients across all 50 states establish LLCs, protect their assets, and structure their businesses efficiently—with a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that deliver real protection. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Asset protection begins with proper business formation—but it doesn’t end there. Many business owners form LLCs but fail to “respect” them by observing corporate formalities, rendering them ineffective in court. Wyoming is one of the best states to form a holding company due to privacy and strong charging order protection. Creating a holding company structure helps simplify asset management, estate planning, and liability isolation. Revocable living trusts are a low-cost way to ensure smooth inheritance without the burden of probate, especially across multiple states. Topics From Corporate to Counsel: A Third Career Attorney Jonathan began in logistics (UPS, DHL), then transitioned to finance and wealth management. At 45, he pursued law full-time to combine strategic advising with legal structure and protection. His mission is to democratize access to real legal solutions—without the inflated price tag. What Most People Get Wrong About LLCs Forming an LLC is just step one—maintaining it properly is where most fail. Respect your LLC by: holding meetings, documenting decisions, separating finances, and keeping the business in good standing. Improperly managed LLCs are often disregarded by courts, leaving owners personally liable. The Power of Holding Companies Use a Wyoming LLC as a holding company for privacy, asset protection, and estate efficiency. Helps shield your name from public documents and reduces the impact of being linked to failed partnerships or lawsuits. Holding companies simplify asset transfers to heirs and reduce exposure to out-of-state probate. Estate Planning and Life Events Estate plans should be revisited every five years—or after any major life change (e.g., marriage, children, death, relocation). A revocable living trust paired with an LLC holding company offers clean transitions for heirs and minimal disruption. Overcomplicated estate plans often backfire; keep it simple and update as needed. Avoiding Snake Oil and Legal Overkill Many providers push unnecessary structures—like offshore trusts or layered LLCs—on inexperienced investors. Jonathan emphasizes reasonable, effective solutions tailored to the investor’s current risk and net worth. Focus on clear, scalable strategies that grow with your portfolio. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Jonathan up for success: Realizing his unhappiness as a financial advisor led Jonathan to pursue law school and build a business where he thrives today. Digital or mobile resource: Gemini (AI tool) — Helps condense complex legal materials and improve communication clarity, when guided with trusted source inputs. Book recommendation: Not a traditional book reader—Jonathan reads thousands of pages of legal cases, law review articles, and court decisions to stay sharp. Daily habit: Maintains a dedicated workspace at home that acts as his “mental switch” for full focus and productivity. #1 insight for asset protection: Don’t put too many assets in one bucket. Whether structuring LLCs or allocating capital, smaller, diversified exposures reduce risk. Favorite restaurant in Luquillo, Puerto Rico: . Next Steps Visit to explore services and free resources Use promo code FAMILY50 there to receive 50% off formations or registered agent services Review your current LLC, asset structure, and estate plan—and don’t wait for a crisis to start planning Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Why Now Is the Time to Buy Apartments with Steven Pesavento, Ep. 712
05/13/2025
Why Now Is the Time to Buy Apartments with Steven Pesavento, Ep. 712
Steven Pesavento is a real estate entrepreneur and managing partner of VonFinch Capital. Since 2016, he has completed over 220 real estate transactions, renovated nearly 100 properties, and personally transacted over $200 million in real estate. With a background in consulting and startups, Steven transitioned into multifamily investing to build long-term wealth, scale strategically, and help investors achieve financial freedom through high-performance investments. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Steven flipped over 200 houses before pivoting to multifamily for greater scalability and repeatability. The VonFinch model focuses on building trust at scale, creating long-term investor relationships across asset classes. Talent retention is core to their strategy, offering team members aligned incentives and upside in each project. The best multifamily buying opportunities are in the middle market ($5–$25M) where institutional competition is minimal. Successful investing starts with mindset—embracing both wins and losses as part of a long-term game. Topics From Flipping to Multifamily Built a high-volume flipping business but struggled with lack of repeat clients and team turnover. Realized multifamily investing offered better scale, cash flow, and lasting investor relationships. Transitioned to commercial deals where trust and strategic partnerships drive long-term success. Building a Wealth Machine Through Relationships VonFinch Capital focuses on relationship-based investing with aligned goals across team, operators, and investors. Employees are offered base salaries with profit-sharing incentives to encourage ownership and retention. Long-term success is about creating win-win environments that scale with aligned interests. Navigating the Current Multifamily Market Market dislocation has created buying opportunities 30–40% below peak prices in the non-institutional middle market. VonFinch targets $5–$15M deals overlooked by large institutions but too big for most small investors. Patience and persistence matter—some of their best deals took 6–12 months to close or required years of relationship-building. Why Now Is Still the Time to Buy Even with personal portfolio challenges, Steven remains bullish on buying during market dips. Dollar-cost averaging into real estate is critical—especially for those who bought at the top in 2021–22. The greatest returns are made in volatile periods when others are fearful. Investor Mindset and Long-Term Thinking Investing is a game—understand the rules, play strategically, and adapt to change. Fear of loss often outweighs potential gains, but playing scared leads to missed opportunities. Steven encourages investors to view losses as feedback and avoid overexposure in any one deal or asset. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Steven up for success: Getting fired from a dream startup job taught him what kind of culture and leadership he wanted to create—VonFinch was born soon after. Digital or mobile resource: The Michel Thomas Method (for learning Spanish) + Duolingo — a powerful combination for language learning and cognitive growth. Book recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill — timeless principles for personal development and wealth creation. Daily habit: Sauna and cold plunge therapy — helps reset the body and clears mental fog for high performance and focus. #1 insight for scaling your team: It’s all about people. Serve them, incentivize them, and create a mission they’re proud to be part of. Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: Next Steps Learn more at Tune into the podcast for mindset strategies and investment insights Check out the previous with Steven Reflect on your investing psychology: are you playing the long game or letting fear win? Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Analyzing Risk for Alternative Investments with Sandhya Seshadri, Ep. 711
05/09/2025
Analyzing Risk for Alternative Investments with Sandhya Seshadri, Ep. 711
Sandhya Seshadri is the founder of Engineered Capital, a firm focused on helping professionals grow their wealth through commercial real estate and alternative investments. With a background in engineering, an MBA in finance, and a successful career in stock trading, she became financially independent before shifting her focus to real estate. Since 2018, Sandhya has been an active multifamily syndicator and passive investor in multiple asset classes including oil & gas and tech funds, bringing her analytical skill set and passion for tax-efficient investing to her growing investor community. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Sandhya began investing in stocks but transitioned to real estate for better tax advantages and cash flow. She started as a passive investor in multifamily before becoming an active general partner. Rising interest rates reshaped her strategy, leading her to explore oil & gas and technology funds. Passive investing offers the ability to leverage other people’s expertise while generating income and appreciation. Asset class diversification and risk tolerance should drive investment decisions, not just projected returns. Topics From Engineering to Investing Started in corporate America but pursued investing to achieve financial independence. Learned to trade stocks and used that income to replace her W-2 job. Discovered real estate as a tax-advantaged strategy after hitting a tax ceiling with stock gains. Why Multifamily and Syndications Skipped single-family due to lack of appreciation and headaches from managing tenants and maintenance. Multifamily appealed due to professional property management, scalability, and the ability to raise capital from investors. Took the “passenger to pilot” approach—starting as an LP, then a co-GP, and finally a lead GP. Shifting the Strategy: From CRE to Alternatives Rising interest rates, property taxes, and insurance costs eroded multifamily cash flow. Pivoted to alternative investments that better suited current market conditions. Launched tech fund offerings for high-upside, long-term appreciation plays. Invested in oil & gas deals offering strong tax advantages and predictable cash flow backed by mineral rights. Carefully vets all deals personally before introducing them to investors. Oil & Gas Investing Explained Buys into mineral rights after oil is confirmed, reducing drilling risk. Returns often include 80% year-one depreciation via K-1 and cash flow within 24 months. No depreciation recapture and potential for 2.5–3x returns over a 7-year period. Great option for high-income professionals seeking tax relief and diversification. Investor Education and Risk Management Every asset class has its risks—invest small first, understand the model, and scale gradually. Focus on understanding the operator, the assumptions behind returns, and aligning with your personal goals. Diversify across asset types, hold periods, and cash flow profiles. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Sandhya up for success: Tighter margins in recent multifamily deals forced her to become hyper-efficient in asset management and expenses—helping her sharpen operational discipline. Digital or mobile resource: Calendar tools like Calendly—essential for time management and filtering non-essential calls. Book recommendation: Lessons from Top Leaders – a collection of leadership stories from industry experts, including Sandhya’s own chapter. Daily habit: Plans her day each morning by prioritizing what would stress her most if it were left undone—this keeps her focused and calm. #1 insight for investing in alternative assets: Know your risk tolerance and only invest what you’re willing to lose—this applies to every asset class. Favorite restaurant in Dallas, TX: Next Steps Connect with Sandhya on Learn more about Engineered Capital and current offerings at Check out the previous with Sandhya Evaluate your own risk profile and diversify thoughtfully across asset classes Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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The Power of a Mastermind for Multifamily with Cindy Beier, Ep. 710
05/06/2025
The Power of a Mastermind for Multifamily with Cindy Beier, Ep. 710
Cindy Beier is the founder of Emerald Peak Holdings and CNS Management, with over 30 years of experience in real estate—from new construction sales to live-in flips to multifamily investing. After starting as a real estate agent and property manager, Cindy transitioned into syndications where she now raises capital, manages assets, and helps others enter the world of passive investing. She’s also passionate about educating women in real estate and runs local investor meetups to foster community and mentorship. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Cindy transitioned from hands-on property management to passive multifamily investing after experiencing the stress of managing single-family rentals. She began investing as an LP and quickly became a GP by bringing in capital and leveraging her network. Multifamily syndications offered her better returns and fewer headaches than her actively managed single-family portfolio. She encourages other agents and non-investors to explore passive investing through syndications. Mastermind communities played a major role in accelerating her education and confidence as an investor. Topics From Realtor to Real Estate Investor Cindy’s journey started after serving in the Air Force and discovering real estate through answering phones at a brokerage. Became a licensed agent, ran a brokerage, and eventually got inspired by an investor who built wealth one property at a time. Bought several single-family homes, including a short-term rental, before shifting her focus to multifamily. Why Multifamily and Syndications Made Sense Tired of managing repairs, maintenance calls, and vendors herself. Compared her modest cash flow from a condo with the stronger returns from a $25K LP investment in a syndication. Multifamily provided better returns, scalability, and less day-to-day involvement. How She Became a General Partner Joined a mastermind group and realized she could raise capital and contribute to larger deals. Currently an LP and GP in two multifamily properties totaling over 100 units. Enjoys the freedom and passive income that come with being part of a larger team. Tips for Passive Investors Vet the operator: make sure they’ve gone full-cycle and have a conservative track record. Ask the right questions: returns, loan structure, operator investment, and risk mitigation strategies. Analyze the market: consider economic drivers, employer base, and long-term potential. The Power of Masterminds and Community Joined multiple groups to learn, network, and grow faster. Finds value in sharing stories and learning from the mistakes and successes of others. Believes education, connection, and execution are keys to building wealth in real estate. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Cindy up for success: Bought a couch before a closing that fell through—learned to never spend money until the deal is actually closed. Digital or mobile resource: YouTube University—her go-to for real estate education and even gardening tips. Book recommendation: The 12 Week Year – helps break big goals into achievable short-term plans, giving you a “new year” every quarter. Daily habit: Focusing on family routines and goals helps her stay centered and committed to long-term financial freedom. #1 insight for scaling into multifamily: Skip single-family. Take flip profits or saved capital and go directly into multifamily to scale faster with fewer headaches. Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: . Next Steps Learn more at Reach out to Cindy directly at [email protected] Closing Call to Action Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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3 Strategies to Invest Wisely with Paul Shannon, Ep. 709
05/02/2025
3 Strategies to Invest Wisely with Paul Shannon, Ep. 709
Paul Shannon is a real estate investor, fund manager, and co-host of the PassivePockets podcast. After spending 15 years in medical device sales, Paul transitioned into full-time real estate in 2019. He has acquired over 200 residential units through creative strategies like BRRRR and joint ventures and is an LP in 40+ deals across multifamily, industrial, debt funds, and more. Today, he runs Invest Wise Collective, an opportunistic investment fund focused on delivering diversified returns through both GP and LP positions. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Must Ask, . Key Takeaways Paul left a successful sales career to pursue real estate full-time after realizing he wanted more purpose, freedom, and control. He failed as a property manager early on but used that lesson to scale through partnerships and better team delegation. Invest Wise Collective takes a capital-agnostic, asset-agnostic approach to investing—balancing risk, return, and diversification. Passive investors should focus on sponsor alignment, risk tolerance, and consistent underwriting inputs over flashy return metrics. Community and mentorship are essential for new and seasoned LPs alike—there’s power in learning from others’ experiences. Topics From Medical Sales to Real Estate Freedom Paul started with single-family rentals and flips, managing properties himself while still in corporate sales. In 2019, he left his W2 job with a modest portfolio, savings runway, and a desire to build something meaningful. A pivotal moment came when he outsourced property management and focused on acquisitions, unlocking rapid growth. The Rise of Invest Wise Collective In 2023, Paul and partners launched a fund to pool capital and invest across asset classes. The fund focuses on both GP and LP positions, enabling flexible capital deployment based on risk-reward profiles. Their early strategy emphasized debt positions for income and capital preservation, later pivoting to multifamily as opportunities emerged. Lessons for New Passive Investors Focus on the sponsor first, then the deal—good operators can rescue average deals; bad ones can ruin great ones. Underwriting inputs matter more than IRR projections—don’t get seduced by high returns without understanding the assumptions. Diversify across operators, asset types, and loan maturities to mitigate risks like market timing or interest rate exposure. Don’t let FOMO drive decisions—there will always be more deals. Be intentional, not reactive. The Power of Community: Passive Pockets Paul is co-host of Passive Pockets, formerly Left Field Investors, now owned by BiggerPockets. The platform provides deal reviews, sponsor evaluations, educational content, and LP peer collaboration. It helps investors go from 100-level beginners to 500-level LPs through shared experience and due diligence transparency. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Paul up for success: Realized he was a terrible property manager—which led him to outsource operations and discover the value of the Who Not How mindset. Digital or mobile resource: Slack – an essential tool for team collaboration and staying connected without overwhelming inboxes. Book recommendation: Creature from Jekyll Island – a deep dive into the history of the Federal Reserve and monetary systems that shaped his financial worldview. Daily habit: Early morning workouts to boost energy, mental clarity, and start the day with intention and discipline. #1 insight for passive investing: Don’t fall for FOMO. There will always be more deals—invest when you’re informed and confident. Favorite restaurant in Fortville, IN: . Next Steps Visit to join the LP community and access exclusive education and deal reviews Learn more about Paul’s investment strategy at Focus on sponsor alignment, risk-adjusted returns, and long-term diversification in your investing journey Closing Call to Action Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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The Right Way to Implement PropTech with David Blumenfeld, Ep. 708
04/29/2025
The Right Way to Implement PropTech with David Blumenfeld, Ep. 708
David Blumenfeld is the co-founder of Next Rivet, a proptech advisory firm that helps real estate businesses leverage digital technology to solve real business challenges. With experience leading business development at Westfield Labs—the innovation arm of Westfield Shopping Centers—David has a deep understanding of how to bridge the gap between traditional real estate operations and emerging technologies. At Next Rivet, he focuses on building tailored technology roadmaps and overseeing successful implementation, ensuring that technology delivers measurable impact, not just flashy concepts. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Proptech is not about chasing buzzwords—it’s about identifying business problems first and applying the right tools to solve them. The biggest failure in tech implementation comes from unclear business requirements, not from the technology itself. AI is not a stand-alone solution but an ingredient that enhances existing tools and processes. Operational efficiencies, lease management, and tenant experience are key focus areas where technology can provide immediate ROI. Success comes from doing the upfront work: define your goals clearly, then explore solutions. Topics What Is Proptech and Why It Matters Proptech (property technology) spans digital leasing tools, building management systems, smart locks, energy efficiency tech, tenant experience platforms, and more. The slow adoption rate in real estate offers an opportunity for forward-thinking operators to gain an edge. Focus should always be on solving operational challenges—not on adopting tech for tech’s sake. Avoiding the “Deck on the Desk” Problem Many consulting firms hand over a giant report without real action steps. Next Rivet helps clients move from strategy to implementation, working directly with vendors and ensuring real results. Their approach is tech-agnostic—choosing the right tools for the job, not locking clients into a specific vendor. Where Most Owners Should Start with Tech Focus on basic operational systems: lease digitization, renewal tracking, building management systems. Use AI as a layer within these systems to streamline lease abstraction, document review, and operations. Prioritize energy efficiency tools that can produce real cost savings (e.g., HVAC optimization, smart metering). Technology Across Asset Classes Retail: Enhance shopper experience through frictionless parking, special tenant offers, and real-time inventory insights. Office: Provide infrastructure that allows tenants to customize their tech stack while the building remains future-proof. Multifamily: Combine leasing, operations, and tenant engagement into seamless digital experiences. How to Vet and Choose Tech Solutions Wisely Clearly define business needs before engaging vendors. Develop tight business and technical requirements—just like architectural plans for a building. Avoid jumping into tools just because they’re AI-powered or new; focus on real benefits and usability. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set you up for success: Missed a job opportunity at Excite during the dot-com boom—but it led to a career-shaping role at CNET, launching him into the tech space where he’s stayed ever since. Digital or mobile resource: Coresight Research for retail-focused insights Commercial Observer for CRE news Propmodo, Crytek, and Blueprint events and publications for proptech trends Google Alerts for staying up-to-date on key topics like AI, proptech, or property management tools Book recommendation: – a humorous yet factual history of Australia. Highly entertaining and unexpectedly educational. Daily habit: Exercise—an essential routine for mental clarity and balance, especially when spending long hours in front of a screen. #1 insight for leveraging technology: Don’t start with the shiny tech. Start with clear business needs and strong requirements—then find the right solution to fit. Favorite restaurant in Bay Area, CA: One of the many taquerias in San Francisco’s Mission District—hard to go wrong with any of them. Next Steps Learn more about David and his team at Reach out directly to David at [email protected] for help assessing your technology roadmap Audit your current processes and identify key areas where tech could streamline operations or enhance tenant experience Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Why He Switched from Multifamily to Hostels with Nathan St Cyr, Ep. 707
04/25/2025
Why He Switched from Multifamily to Hostels with Nathan St Cyr, Ep. 707
Nathan St Cyr is the co-founder of Howzit Hostels, a fast-growing hospitality brand based in the Hawaiian Islands. Within three years, Howzit Hostels earned the 2024 award for the number one small hostel in North America. With two current locations totaling approximately 140 beds, Nathan and his partner are on a mission to scale to 400 beds in Hawaii and 4,000 beds across North America—all while elevating the hostel experience into a modern, community-focused hospitality model. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Nathan originally trained in multifamily investing but pivoted to hostels after uncovering a major market gap in the U.S. hostel space. Howzit Hostels focuses on elevating the guest experience with boutique design, community engagement, and Instagram-worthy moments. The hostel model allows for multiple revenue levers through room configuration, occupancy flexibility, and curated guest experiences. Their approach targets the Gen Z traveler, who craves connection, shared spaces, and social currency through experiences. Success comes from understanding your avatar, hiring expert operators, and being fully committed to your vision. Topics From Multifamily to Hospitality Pivot Started with multifamily training, searching for apartment deals in Hawaii. First property search introduced the idea of hostels, which led to a deep dive into the business model. Discovered that hostels offered a more flexible, high-margin opportunity than traditional apartment investing in their market. What Is a Hostel Today? Challenges the outdated U.S. perception of hostels as cheap or dirty backpacker lodging. Focuses on community-based experiences with boutique design, common spaces, guided activities, and both shared and private rooms. Targets modern travelers who value shared experiences over isolation. Creating a Scalable, Passion-Driven Asset Hostels allow room configurations that multiply income potential—such as converting a single hotel room into a shared six-bed space. Hostel occupancy is measured per bed, allowing for higher flexibility and revenue optimization. Deep understanding of their target audience (Gen Z) shapes branding, amenities, and experiences. Mindset, Mentorship, and Execution Emphasizes hiring experts to validate business plans and fill skill gaps, including European hostel consultants and hospitality designers. Stresses the importance of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to go “all in” on your vision. Leverages lessons from a background in sales leadership, focusing on rejection as a temporary obstacle and belief as the driving force. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set Nathan up for success: Early struggles in sales and a challenging first property purchase taught Nathan that belief, persistence, and mindset outlast temporary setbacks. Digital or mobile resource: Social Wi-Fi—automates mid-stay guest feedback and channels five-star reviews directly to Google while flagging issues for in-house resolution. Book recommendation: by Maxwell Maltz – a game-changing book on mindset, the subconscious, and unlocking your potential (despite the intimidating title). Daily habit: Morning and evening meditation with visualization to align mindset and focus—Nathan believes 80% of success is mindset, 20% is execution. #1 insight for running a successful hostel: Culture is everything. Build a company culture where the right people want to work, and your business will thrive. Favorite restaurant in Maui, HI: . Next Steps Follow Nathan and explore the Howzit Hostels journey at Listen to Nathan’s podcast, , for deeper insights into hospitality investing Consider the unique opportunities in hostel and hospitality investing, especially for passion-driven entrepreneurs Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Why Going Bigger Was The Prescription for this Physician with Janeeka Benoit, Ep. 706
04/22/2025
Why Going Bigger Was The Prescription for this Physician with Janeeka Benoit, Ep. 706
Dr. Janeeka Benoit, also known as “Dr. J,” is a board-certified travel physician in internal and sports medicine, and a real estate investor with over 60 units. She became an accidental landlord during her medical residency and has since evolved into an apartment syndicator. Dr. J helps healthcare professionals invest passively in real estate so they can regain time, reduce stress, and focus on family, freedom, and fulfillment. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Dr. J became an investor out of necessity during residency, managing three properties while working demanding hospital shifts. A pivotal conversation with her CPA convinced her to go bigger and leverage multifamily investing through syndications. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your real estate strategy with your lifestyle and time availability. Dr. J now helps other healthcare professionals learn how to invest passively and build wealth. Her first real estate meetup had 6 attendees—her most recent had 18, proving the growing demand for real estate education in the medical community. Topics From Overwhelm to Opportunity Started with two single-family homes and a duplex, all self-managed while working long hours as a medical resident. Hit burnout quickly and considered quitting—until her CPA told her to “go bigger.” Learned about apartment syndication and joined a mastermind to scale with support. Learning the Language of Multifamily Initially intimidated by multifamily jargon and million-dollar deal talk. Gained confidence by consistently attending events, showing up for calls, and surrounding herself with experienced peers. Discovered she had a story to share—and a community of physicians who needed her voice. Serving the Medical Community Through Real Estate Hosts local meetups for doctors, dentists, residents, and aspiring med students. Uses her own journey to teach others how to passively invest without adding stress to their careers. Draws parallels between managing patients as a physician and managing investment teams—both require collaboration, diagnosis, and execution. Investor Mindset and Capital Raising Overcame limiting beliefs about asking for capital by treating investor conversations like patient consults. Raised $110,000 in five minutes during a mastermind challenge—proving the power of simply asking. Prioritizes investing with people who share her values, vision, and integrity. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set you up for success: It took her three years and five MCAT attempts to get into medical school. That journey taught her faith and persistence—skills that now fuel her real estate career. Digital or mobile resource: Multifamily Insights Podcast – an on-demand library of episodes for anyone serious about multifamily investing. Book recommendation: The Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless – her go-to resource for syndication strategy and fundamentals. Daily habit: Prayer and meditation. Starts each morning in silence with gratitude, reflection, and intention to stay grounded amid her busy schedule. #1 insight for investing as a healthcare professional: Choose real estate strategies that match your lifestyle—don’t add stress in the name of building wealth. Favorite restaurant in Nashville, TN: . Next Steps Connect with Dr. J on to learn more about her meetups and deals Attend one of her Nashville events if you’re in healthcare and curious about passive investing Explore apartment syndications as a way to invest without the burden of solo property management Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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The Right Way to Use an Underwriting Model with Dr. Jason L. Williams, Ep. 705
04/18/2025
The Right Way to Use an Underwriting Model with Dr. Jason L. Williams, Ep. 705
Dr. Jason Williams is the founder and CEO of Ironclad Underwriting, where he helps investors simplify and strengthen multifamily deal analysis. With a background as a PhD-level chemical engineer, Jason brings a systems-based approach to underwriting, having transitioned from single-family rentals to large-scale multifamily syndications. He now teaches investors how to build smarter models, avoid costly assumptions, and raise their underwriting IQ. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Jason transitioned from engineering to real estate, bringing over 15 years of data analysis experience into underwriting. Many investors make critical underwriting mistakes by misunderstanding Excel models or relying too heavily on templates without verification. His Ironclad Underwriting model is built for flexibility and clarity, especially helpful when dealing with creative financing. He emphasizes third-party validation for all assumptions—especially from stakeholders who will be executing the plan. Property management can make or break a deal. Vet thoroughly and don’t underestimate their impact. Topics From PhD to Real Estate Pro Jason started investing in 2003 while in grad school and held rentals throughout his career. In 2017, he discovered syndications through Joe Fairless and began scaling into larger multifamily deals. After being laid off, he used the opportunity to go full-time into real estate. Underwriting with Precision Took his R&D background to build underwriting models that minimize user error and reduce complexity. Developed Ironclad Underwriting to “dumb down” deal data without compromising accuracy. Emphasizes that many common models can be broken easily—triple dipping rent bumps, broken formulas, or overwritten cells. Common Mistakes Investors Make Trusting broker/owner numbers without verification. Over-projecting rent growth based on temporary trends. Blindly following a coach or a guru’s assumptions without understanding the logic. Using inherited underwriting models that have dead or disconnected cells. How to Use an Underwriting Model the Right Way Breaks rent data into: current, property management estimate, and pro forma rent. Encourages using third-party consultants for accurate insurance, taxes, and property management costs. Property managers must be part of the business plan validation process. Navigating the Market Cycle Expects a wave of opportunities as more owners face distress or pre-foreclosure. Believes creative financing will play a larger role—models must be able to handle these deal structures. Warns that relying on outdated assumptions or models not built for flexibility can lead to catastrophic results. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set him up for success: Moved a trusted onsite team to a struggling property and watched occupancy plummet. Realized they were covering for major issues and fired them. A new regional manager brought the property from 76% to 93% occupancy in just six weeks. Digital or mobile resource: – Includes a two-minute yield calculator, terminology library, and underwriting masterclass. Book recommendation: and by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy – foundational for focusing on strengths and building the right team. Daily habit: Gratitude journaling—although not daily yet, he uses it to stay positive and focused on what matters. #1 insight for underwriting multifamily deals: Get third-party verification from stakeholders who have a vested interest in seeing the deal succeed. Favorite restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX: . Next Steps Visit for free training Use Jason’s free calculators and templates to improve your deal analysis Stay vigilant about assumptions, data inputs, and the functionality of your underwriting model Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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From Unemployed to a 4,000 Unit Portfolio with Moshe Popack, Ep. 704
04/15/2025
From Unemployed to a 4,000 Unit Portfolio with Moshe Popack, Ep. 704
Moshe Popack is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, attorney, and philanthropist. He is the co-founder and chairman of YMP Real Estate Management, which oversees a diverse portfolio of 4,000 multifamily units and 2 million square feet of commercial space. After losing his job in 2009, Moshe pivoted to real estate, building an integrated organization with 400 employees and vertical operations spanning multifamily, office, and assisted living investments. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways Moshe began his real estate journey after losing his job during the Great Recession, investing his last funds into a distressed property. He scaled his business by focusing on underappreciated opportunities, analyzing deals line-by-line, and maintaining strong discipline in execution. Believes success starts with mindset—resilience, grit, and faith were key to pushing through early rejection. Today, he leads a vertically integrated firm with in-house legal, property management, and construction teams. Moshe and his wife run Neighborhood Farms USA, a nonprofit that teaches children to grow fresh produce in affordable housing communities. Topics From Rock Bottom to Real Estate Renaissance Lost job in 2009 with three kids to support—chose real estate over retreat. Faced 30 investor rejections before landing funding for his first 400-unit acquisition. Relied on line-by-line financial analysis and tenacity to stabilize the asset. Mindset Over Mechanics Operates on a core principle: “If your why is deep enough, the how doesn’t matter.” Encourages entrepreneurs to expect resistance from others and stay focused on their path. Cautions investors to “assume brokers are lying” and do their own due diligence. Analyzing Deals with Precision Understands every income and expense line item and underwrites conservatively. Warns against blindly assuming future rent growth or tax projections without validation. Stresses that the deal’s net income is the key to sustainability and value. Distressed Opportunities and Contrarian Plays Invests in overlooked or feared asset classes—currently buying office space at deep discounts. Believes in Florida’s long-term growth story and the cyclical nature of real estate. Focuses on holding power and conservative leverage to weather downturns. Neighborhood Farms USA Nonprofit initiative transforming landscaping at workforce housing properties into edible gardens. Educates children on gardening, nutrition, and personal fulfillment through nature. Offers after-school programs and community engagement with a focus on well-being. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that set you up for success: Bought a building with an unrealistic business plan. Three years later, the hospital next door leased it. The lesson: patience and availability can turn perceived failures into wins. Digital or mobile resource: – management software he finds versatile and reliable for multifamily operations. Book recommendation: by Viktor Frankl – a powerful reflection on mindset, resilience, and choosing your response to life’s challenges. Daily habit: Meditation – helps him build inner clarity, mental resilience, and strength to navigate daily decisions. #1 insight for finding distressed opportunities: Don’t even hear the word “no.” Stay consistent, be polite, and follow through on your word—opportunities come when others give up. Favorite restaurant in South Beach, Miami: . Next Steps Learn more about Moshe’s ventures and philanthropic work at Explore and their mission to promote community health through gardening Reframe challenges as gateways to growth—and never stop pushing forward Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Use This Incredible Hack to Attract Deals and Investors with Christian Osgood, Ep. 703
04/11/2025
Use This Incredible Hack to Attract Deals and Investors with Christian Osgood, Ep. 703
Christian Osgood is a real estate investor, educator, and host of the Multifamily Strategy podcast and YouTube channel. After starting his career in sales and acquiring a few rentals using the Dave Ramsey method, he made a strategic leap into multifamily through creative financing. Today, Christian owns over 300 units, operates a property management company, and helps others achieve financial independence through value-driven, relationship-based investing. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Apartment Investor Should Ask, . Key Takeaways: Christian scaled from owning duplexes to 300+ units in under five years by mastering creative finance. He focuses on building authentic relationships with property owners rather than cold prospecting or marketing. His strategy centers on two questions: “How do I buy it?” and “How do I never lose it?” Raising capital becomes simple when you bring a strong deal, a smart structure, and clear alignment with investor interests. JV deals and seller financing often offer more flexibility and alignment than traditional syndications. Topics: From Dave Ramsey to Real Estate Freedom Started with a goal to retire his wife, transitioned from two duplexes to over 300 units. Emphasized holding properties long-term by ensuring they cash flow from day one. Avoids dependence on future sales for profitability. How a 38-Unit Seller-Financed Deal Changed Everything Acquired a distressed property listed for 12 years by offering a six-month no-payment period. Secured seller financing at 4% with a $300K down payment, raised from new connections. Repaired collections and operations, appraised at $4.1M within 11 months. Used refinance to cash out investors and retain full ownership. Deal, Debt, Equity: A Simple Capital-Raising Framework Christian emphasizes a “deal-first” approach: find the opportunity, secure the financing, then raise the remaining equity. Capital is easier to raise when you’re solving problems for both the seller and investor. Transparent communication and downside protection build trust and drive investment. Joint Ventures vs. Syndication Joint ventures allow for more creative structures, faster execution, and clear alignment of roles. Syndication is not wrong—just often unnecessary for small to midsize deals with fewer partners. The Power of Relationships in Real Estate Christian meets with owners weekly for coffee instead of cold calling. His best deals and investor connections come from these low-pressure conversations. Many owners eventually offer to finance their entire portfolios after seeing his track record and integrity. Lessons from a $4.5M “Shiny Object” Mistake Bought a resort early in his journey that didn’t align with his strengths or goals. Learned the importance of sticking to your lane and clarifying your business identity. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that led to success: Purchased a $4.5M resort early in his journey—wrong asset, wrong partners, and a high-maintenance business. It taught him the value of staying in his lane. Digital or mobile resource: Audiobooks of Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Straight Line Selling by Jordan Belfort—especially the chapter on tonality. Book recommendation: See above—both negotiation-focused books sharpened his deal-making and communication skills. Daily habit: Time blocks his calendar by company and task type—green for money-making, yellow for future growth, and red for low-value or delegatable items. #1 insight for creative financing or deal structures: Focus on the deal, then the debt, and finally the equity—ask: “How do I buy it? How do I never lose it?” Favorite restaurant in Texas: Next Steps Follow Christian’s content on Explore creative finance and JV strategies through his Reframe your capital-raising approach using the Deal → Debt → Equity method Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Top Questions Investors Should Ask with Brian Alfaro, Ep. 702
04/08/2025
Top Questions Investors Should Ask with Brian Alfaro, Ep. 702
Brian Alfaro is the Director of Investor Relations at Headway Capital, a Houston-based private equity firm managing over $500 million in assets. With a background in the restaurant industry, Brian transitioned into real estate in 2017, starting in single-family investing before moving into multifamily. Today, he specializes in building investor relationships and raising capital for large-scale multifamily projects. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: Transitioned from single-family to multifamily investing after realizing the scale and sophistication better aligned with his goals. Investor relations is a long-term game focused on education, trust-building, and communication. Effective capital raising is more about listening to investor needs than pushing returns. Investors should ask more questions about risk, not just returns. Strong communication and transparency are crucial when working with passive investors. Topics: From Restaurants to Real Estate 17-year background in restaurant operations before entering real estate in 2017. Started with the BRRRR strategy, but found single-family investing misaligned with his personality and long-term vision. Making the Jump to Multifamily Joined a multifamily mentorship in 2020 to scale smarter. Chose capital raising as his focus area, learning to nurture and educate investors. Why Multifamily Made More Sense Single-family was labor-intensive with low cash flow margins. Multifamily offered more scalability, better team collaboration, and higher ROI potential. Appreciated the abundance mindset and collaboration in multifamily circles compared to the scarcity mindset in single-family spaces. Investor Relations Demystified Focused on helping investors feel confident and informed through steady communication and trust-building. Building “know, like, trust” takes time—rarely an overnight process. Education-first mindset; avoids industry jargon to reduce confusion. Top Questions LPs Should Be Asking Investors often ask about returns but rarely probe into risks or past challenges. Brian encourages asking about capital calls, past losses, and how operators handled them. Transparency and accountability are key indicators of a trustworthy sponsor. Mistakes New Capital Raisers Make Being too transactional or too numbers-focused instead of building genuine relationships. Failing to understand investor goals—listening is more powerful than selling. Good investor relations = solving problems, not pitching products. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that led to success: Losing $5,000 on a non-refundable earnest money deposit in his first wholesale deal taught Brian to take calculated risks and commit when the fundamentals check out. Digital or mobile resource: is a powerful platform for networking and staying up to date in the multifamily space. It’s where Brian builds and nurtures investor relationships daily. Book recommendation: by Stephen Covey – a foundational book Brian rereads to stay focused, grounded, and growth-minded. Daily habit: Working out is Brian’s way to reset and stay mentally sharp—especially helpful as a new dad balancing entrepreneurship and family life. #1 insight for being effective in investor relations: Be an active listener. Don’t listen just to respond—listen to understand and guide the investor accordingly. Favorite restaurant in Houston, TX: . Next Steps Learn more about Brian and his firm at Connect with Brian on Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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How to Buy Back Your Time through Real Estate with Jonathan Nichols, Ep. 701
04/04/2025
How to Buy Back Your Time through Real Estate with Jonathan Nichols, Ep. 701
Jonathan Nichols is a real estate investor and co-founder of Apogee Capital, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Formerly an aerospace engineer, Jonathan transitioned into multifamily real estate in 2019 and has since acquired eight multifamily properties and one self-storage facility totaling 1,000 units. He brings an analytical, systems-based approach to acquisitions and asset management, leveraging his engineering background to scale strategically in Texas and Oklahoma. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: Transitioning from aerospace engineering to full-time real estate investor was driven by a desire for entrepreneurship and dissatisfaction with corporate ceilings. Strategic scaling includes focusing on one area of real estate—acquisitions, capital raising, or asset management—before trying to juggle all three. Jonathan emphasizes using project-based virtual help and the “Buy Back Your Time” principle to grow the business efficiently. His current investment focus is on B-class multifamily properties in both primary and tertiary Texas and Oklahoma markets. Jonathan believes in leveraging partnerships, staying lean, and maximizing operational efficiency over aggressive expansion. Topics: From Aerospace to Real Estate Passion for entrepreneurship and systems-thinking led Jonathan to real estate. His corporate experience built a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making and risk management. The Launch of Apogee Capital Started with single-family investing before moving into multifamily. Made the full-time leap after successfully completing two major deals and having a third under contract. Making the Jump from W-2 to Full-Time Investing Used a “point of no return” analogy to describe the moment he had to commit fully. Recommended having proof of concept and income before making the transition. Encourages consulting mentors and a trusted circle before leaving a day job. Time Management and Scaling Up Leveraging tools like the Buy Back Your Time method to maximize productivity. Hiring project-based VAs for tasks like web design helped free up his bandwidth. Delegating wisely and tracking what truly moves the needle is critical to long-term success. Market Shifts and Strategy Adjustments Previously focused on Oklahoma and other tertiary markets due to DFW competition. Now sees Dallas as a market ready for reentry due to softening rents and increased vacancies. Transitioning from C-class to B-class assets to reduce CapEx risk and improve asset quality. Structure and Operations Jonathan and his wife divide duties: he focuses on acquisitions; she handles asset management. Portfolio ranges from 75 to 170 units, with a preference for properties large enough to support full on-site teams. Long-term vision includes vertical integration but currently partners with third-party managers. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Failure that led to success: An early live-in flip during COVID taught Jonathan the importance of budgeting to outsource renovation tasks and avoiding DIY overload. Digital or mobile resource: For passive investors: a free masterclass on . For active investors: podcasts and mentorships for guided support. Book recommendation: – a game-changing book on reclaiming hours and structuring your schedule for maximum fulfillment. Daily habit: Morning workouts, especially endurance training, help him start the day focused and energized. #1 insight for scaling in multifamily: Treat real estate as three distinct businesses—acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management—and focus on the one where you excel. Favorite restaurant in Dallas, TX: . Next Steps Learn more about Jonathan and his work at Explore Apogee’s masterclass for passive investors Check out the book Buy Back Your Time if you’re serious about growth and time management Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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My Lessons from $145 Million of Apartments with John Casmon, Ep. 700
04/01/2025
My Lessons from $145 Million of Apartments with John Casmon, Ep. 700
For this special 700th episode of Multifamily Insights, we’re doing something a little different! Instead of me interviewing a guest, I’m sharing an episode where I was the guest on The Mark Faris Experience. In this conversation, I dive into my journey into multifamily investing, how I built my platform, and the key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Tune in to hear my thoughts on mindset, scaling a business, and finding success in real estate investing. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: Building relationships is key to securing multifamily investment opportunities. Marketing and branding play a crucial role in attracting investors. Understanding market fundamentals helps in identifying the right investment opportunities. Syndication allows investors to scale faster by leveraging partnerships. Success in real estate comes from consistency, persistence, and learning from failure Topics: Transitioning from Marketing to Real Estate How John’s marketing background gave him an edge in real estate investing. The importance of branding and storytelling in raising capital. The Power of Syndication How syndication allows investors to scale their portfolios. The key components of a successful syndication deal. Common challenges investors face when raising capital. Identifying the Right Markets What makes a market attractive for multifamily investing. Key indicators to analyze when selecting a location. How to build relationships with brokers and property managers. Lessons from Scaling a Portfolio The biggest mistakes John made and what he learned. How to structure deals that benefit both investors and operators. The importance of networking and partnerships in multifamily investing. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Raise More Money, Faster Using AI and CRM with Lior Dolinski, Ep. 699
03/28/2025
Raise More Money, Faster Using AI and CRM with Lior Dolinski, Ep. 699
Lior Dolinski is the co-founder of Agora, a technology company specializing in AI-driven marketing solutions for the real estate industry. His expertise lies in leveraging technology and AI to create automations that enhance the investor experience. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: AI-driven marketing is revolutionizing lead generation and conversion in real estate. Automation helps businesses optimize marketing spend and improve efficiency. Understanding data analytics is crucial for effective digital marketing strategies. Personalization and segmentation increase engagement and conversion rates. The right AI tools can simplify complex marketing processes and improve ROI. Topics: The Role of AI in Marketing How AI is transforming digital marketing strategies. The importance of automation in streamlining marketing efforts. Benefits of AI-driven lead generation and conversion optimization. Data-Driven Decision Making Why data analytics is essential for effective marketing campaigns. How to leverage data for better targeting and audience segmentation. Real-world examples of businesses succeeding with AI-powered marketing. Personalization and Customer Engagement The impact of personalized marketing on customer experience. How AI enables businesses to tailor messaging for different audience segments. Strategies to improve customer engagement and retention through automation. Scaling Marketing Efforts with AI The role of AI in scaling marketing campaigns efficiently. How automation reduces marketing costs while improving results. Key AI tools and technologies for optimizing marketing performance. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights: Failure that led to success: Lior shares a challenging moment in his career and how it shaped his approach to business. Digital resource: Recommended AI-powered marketing tools for optimizing campaigns. Book recommendation: by Steve Anderson. Daily habit: A routine that keeps Lior productive and focused. #1 Insight for incorporating technology into your multifamily business: If you’re not using technology today, you’re losing, think about easy to use functional tools. Favorite restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel: . Next Steps: Learn more about Agora and how AI-driven marketing can improve business efficiency. Connect with Lior Dolinski via or his company ’s website. Explore AI tools for marketing automation and lead generation. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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From Real Estate Rookie to Property Pro with Ashley Kehr, Ep. 698
03/25/2025
From Real Estate Rookie to Property Pro with Ashley Kehr, Ep. 698
Ashley Kehr is a real estate investor, educator, and co-host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie podcast. She started her investing journey in 2014 and has since built a portfolio of over 40 units across residential and commercial properties. Ashley is the author of Real Estate Rookie: 90 Days to Your First Investment and co-author of Real Estate Partnerships, guiding new investors on how to build and scale through strategic collaborations. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: Real estate investing allows for flexibility, but success requires systems and processes. Partnering with trusted individuals can accelerate portfolio growth. Living below your means early on provides freedom to take investment risks. Scaling too fast without proper infrastructure can create major stress. Investing should align with personal lifestyle and long-term goals—not just unit counts. Topics: From Accounting to Real Estate Left her accounting career after realizing it wasn’t the right fit. Took an unexpected opportunity to manage a 40-unit apartment complex. Learned property management through hands-on experience, growing to 80 units. Building a Real Estate Portfolio Partnered with a childhood friend’s son for her first duplex investment. Focused on buying small, manageable properties before scaling up. Expanded her portfolio to over 30 units while managing properties full-time. Lessons in Scaling and Outsourcing Realized she was doing too much alone and needed better delegation. Experimented with third-party property management, which led to major challenges. Brought management back in-house using virtual assistants and improved processes. Aligning Investing with Lifestyle Goals Initially hustled hard but later shifted focus to more time with family. Prefers a “small but mighty” portfolio over constant expansion. Invests strategically in flips and select buy-and-hold properties. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights: Failure that led to success: Focused too much on unit count and scaled too fast, leading to stress and restructuring. Digital resource: for managing personal finances and investments. Book recommendation: by Jay Baer—teaches effective customer service and tenant communication. Daily habit: No strict routine—values flexibility and doing what feels right each day. #1 Insight for creating systems to scale: Use SOP tools like and to document tasks and simplify outsourcing. Favorite restaurant in East Aurora, NY: . Next Steps: Follow Ashley on Instagram: . Check out her YouTube channel: . Listen to the for beginner-friendly investing advice. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Navigating Marketing Challenges and AI Disruption with Peter Murphy Lewis, Ep. 697
03/21/2025
Navigating Marketing Challenges and AI Disruption with Peter Murphy Lewis, Ep. 697
Peter Murphy Lewis is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience helping businesses scale through data-driven systems. As the CEO of Strategic Pete, he specializes in creating marketing frameworks that turn leads into loyal clients. With a background spanning SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and even zoos, Peter has a unique approach to cross-industry marketing strategies. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: A strong brand is more important than a big marketing budget—word of mouth is key. AI and attribution are major disruptors in marketing, forcing businesses to rethink strategies. LinkedIn is an underutilized platform for organic reach and networking. Solo entrepreneurs should focus on one or two platforms instead of spreading themselves thin. Tracking simple, actionable metrics is crucial for adapting to market shifts. Topics: Building a Strong Brand vs. Relying on Ads A brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room. Big budgets can amplify a message, but a great reputation and service will sustain a business. The shift toward organic engagement on platforms like LinkedIn. Marketing Challenges and AI Disruption AI is reshaping marketing, creating efficiency but reducing personal touch. Attribution is harder than ever, making it difficult to track what really drives conversions. Small businesses with strong brands are competing better against larger firms with big ad budgets. Optimizing Marketing for Small Businesses Focus on one or two platforms where your audience is most active. LinkedIn is ideal for professionals, investors, and B2B connections. SEO has changed—it’s no longer as effective as it was two years ago. Use interns and growth communities to expand reach with limited budgets. How to Identify and Adapt to Market Disruptions Set up a simple scorecard to track engagement, website visits, and conversions. Stick with marketing strategies for at least three months before pivoting. Surround yourself with smart people who offer valuable insights without trying to sell you something. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights: Failure that led to success: Was rejected from an elite Oxford exchange program for being “too arrogant,” which taught him humility and self-awareness. Digital resource: , , , . Book recommendation: by Gary Chapman—helps with communication in business and life. Daily habit: Focuses on being the most helpful person in every room. #1 Insight for marketing in today’s environment: If you’re the most helpful person in the room, you’ll always be successful. Favorite place to grab a bite in Wichita, KS: Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s restaurant. Next Steps: Connect with Peter on LinkedIn (). Visit his website: to see his marketing playbook in action. Explore resources like Growth Mentor and Copy Club for expert insights. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Turning Distress into Success with Thomas McPherson, Ep. 696
03/18/2025
Turning Distress into Success with Thomas McPherson, Ep. 696
Thomas McPherson is a real estate entrepreneur and U.S. Navy veteran with extensive experience in multifamily investing, distressed assets, and sustainable development. After serving in the Navy and Marine Corps, he transitioned into real estate, excelling as a broker before becoming a principal investor. He now focuses on ground-up development and private debt funding, creating high-performance, sustainable communities. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways: Transitioning into real estate can be smoother by keeping expenses low and working within the industry. High-quality assets tend to perform better during economic uncertainty compared to lower-class properties. Distressed debt offers opportunities to work with borrowers and lenders to find creative solutions. Sustainable development aligns with market demand, leading to higher rents, occupancy, and tenant retention. Small, intentional efforts in property management and development can create a sense of community and increase property value. Topics: Transitioning from the Military to Real Estate Thomas's journey from the Navy to real estate brokerage and later becoming an investor. The importance of controlling expenses and finding industry-related jobs to gain experience. Investing in Distressed Assets and Debt Definition of distressed debt and how Thomas approaches these opportunities. Strategies for working with borrowers to resolve financial challenges. The importance of over-communicating with lenders and investors when facing financial distress. Sustainable Development and Community Building How Thomas incorporates sustainability into his developments, including solar energy and water conservation. The concept of value graphics over demographics—attracting tenants based on shared values. The financial benefits of sustainability, including higher retention, occupancy, and rents. Lessons in Investing and Risk Management Thomas’s experience with leverage and risk early in his investing career. The importance of controlling investments rather than relying on external factors. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights: Apparent Failure: Leveraging debt to trade options early in his career, which led to a major loss but valuable lessons in risk management. Digital resource: Prefers books over digital tools Most recommended book: by Larry Loftis. Daily habit: Time blocking and eliminating distractions for focused productivity. #1 Insight for being a successful developer and distressed debt investor: Stand out in a crowded market—whether through sustainability, branding, or personalized outreach like handwritten letters. Favorite place to grab a bite in Phoenix, AZ: . Next Steps: Learn more about Thomas’s work at . Consider how sustainability and community-building can improve investment performance. If you're facing a distressed asset situation, focus on early communication and finding creative solutions. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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How to Leverage AI for Real Estate Syndications with Vanessa Alfaro, Ep. 695
03/14/2025
How to Leverage AI for Real Estate Syndications with Vanessa Alfaro, Ep. 695
Vanessa Alfaro is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and multifamily syndicator who has founded multiple 7- and 8-figure companies across three different countries. She is the founder of Venus Capital, a women- and minority-owned real estate investment firm focused on technology and AI-driven innovation. With 1,400+ multifamily units, Vanessa specializes in cash-flowing value-add deals in secondary and tertiary markets and leverages AI tools to optimize deal sourcing, capital raising, and property management. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Key Takeaways Vanessa focuses on cash-flowing value-add deals in secondary and tertiary markets, emphasizing stability over high-risk equity plays. She leverages AI for deal analysis, investor profiling, and property management, optimizing operations and cutting expenses by 15-20%. AI chatbots and automation tools streamline leasing, capital raising, and investor communications. Vanessa believes diversification is key—investors should spread risk across different real estate strategies. Leverage is critical to scaling a business—whether through people, technology, or AI tools. Topics Vanessa’s Entrepreneurial Journey Started her first business at age 12, selling products at school. Founded multiple companies, including Venus Capital, a women- and minority-owned real estate investment firm. Balances entrepreneurship with family life, raising five kids while managing multiple businesses. Scaling with AI and Technology Uses AI for deal sourcing, market analysis, investor profiling, and property management. Highlights how AI chatbots streamline operations, including leasing and lead generation. AI helps cut expenses by 15-20%, improving NOI for multifamily properties. Vanessa emphasizes that operators not using AI are leaving money on the table. Multifamily Investment Strategy Owns 1,400+ multifamily units, focusing on cash-flowing properties since 2019. Targets secondary and tertiary markets, benefiting from post-COVID migration trends. Prefers cash flow over speculative equity gains, ensuring long-term stability. Encourages investors to diversify their portfolio and assess risk tolerance. 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: Partnering with a property management firm that was also a stakeholder, making it difficult to fire them. Digital Resource: for automated email responses and meeting follow-ups. Most Recommended Book: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. Daily Habit: Taking stop-and-think meditation breaks to recharge and stay productive. #1 Insight for leveraging AI in business: Use AI daily, even for small tasks, to build efficiency and save time. Next Steps Learn more about Vanessa's investment approach: Join the Real Estate AI Challenge: Explore AI tools Vanessa recommends for business optimization: Evaluate your tech stack and identify areas where AI can improve efficiency. Stay ahead with AI advancements to remain competitive in real estate investing. Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Don’t Invest in Real Estate Without Learning about Notes with Eddie Speed, Ep. 694
03/11/2025
Don’t Invest in Real Estate Without Learning about Notes with Eddie Speed, Ep. 694
Eddie Speed is a leading expert in note investing with over 40 years of experience. As the Founder of NoteSchool, he has educated thousands on buying performing and non-performing discounted mortgage notes. His structured approach has helped countless investors achieve financial success in the note industry. In addition to NoteSchool, Eddie is the Owner and President of Colonial Funding Group LLC, specializing in acquiring and brokering real estate-secured notes. He is also a principal in a family of private equity funds focused on bulk note acquisitions. Through his expertise and leadership, Eddie has played a pivotal role in shaping the note investment landscape and continues to guide investors toward profitable opportunities. In this episode, we talked to Eddie about note investing and how to become an investor for it, finding the right opportunity, the range of an initial investment, diversifying investment portfolios, and much more. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Note Investing; 02:21 Eddie's background; 04:05 An insight into note investing; 10:04 How to become a note investor; 14:38 What to pay attention to for finding the right opportunity; 18:17 An insight into the investment range; 22:40 Tips on diversifying investment portfolios; 27:29 Round of Insights Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: Lack of accounting awareness in the beginning. Digital Resource: . Most Recommended Book: . Daily Habit: Focusing on the plan for the day every morning. #1 Insight for getting started in note investing: Learning what it is thoroughly is key. Best place to grab a bite in Fort Worth, TX: . Contact Eddie: Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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The Speculative Flaw of the Perfect Investment with Paul Moore, Ep. 693
03/07/2025
The Speculative Flaw of the Perfect Investment with Paul Moore, Ep. 693
Paul Moore is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wellings Capital, a real estate private equity firm. After beginning his career at Ford Motor Company, he co-founded a staffing firm, becoming a two-time finalist for Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year. Following its sale to a publicly traded company, Paul transitioned into real estate, launching multiple investment and development companies and completing over 100 commercial and residential deals. A recognized industry expert, Paul has contributed to Fox Business, The Real Estate Guys Radio, and BiggerPockets, where he produces live shows, videos, and blogs. He has been featured on over 200 podcasts and co-hosted *How to Lose Money.* He is also the author of Storing Up Profits and The Perfect Investment. In this episode, we talked to Paul about the fund structure, his book, The Perfect Investment, the ideal investor for this structure, the future of the market, and much more. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Real Estate Investment; 02:33 Paul's background; 05:42 Paul's book, The Perfect Investment 12:50 An insight into the fund structure 17:40 The ideal investor for this; 21:35 An insight into the future of the market; 24:10 Round of Insights Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: Making a wrong investment choice back in late 90’s. Digital Resource: & . Most Recommended Book: . Daily Habit: Meditating, reading and journaling every morning. #1 Insight for thinking like an investor and not a speculator: Become an expert in the one thing you’re focusing on. Best place to grab a bite in Lynchburg, VA: . Contact Paul: Check out our first interview with Paul: Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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How He Launched into Syndication During a Down Economy with John Makarewicz, Ep. 692
03/04/2025
How He Launched into Syndication During a Down Economy with John Makarewicz, Ep. 692
John Makarewicz is the President and Head of Operations at Faris Capital Partners, a leading real estate investment firm. With over 15 years of industry experience, he brings expertise in operations, management, growth, and sales. His strategic leadership ensures the firm’s efficiency, performance, and client satisfaction while driving long-term success. Previously, John served as President and CEO of Mark Spain Real Estate, where he led the company to over 400% sales growth in four years. His ability to optimize processes, improve lead conversion, and scale businesses has earned him industry recognition. Passionate about helping stakeholders grow, John is a visionary leader dedicated to delivering high-quality results. Outside of work, he enjoys creative pursuits and quality time with family. In this episode, we talked to John about his investment company, Faris Capital Partners and their entry into the market, having a clear business plan, vision and mission, and much more. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Real Estate Syndication; 03:29 John's background; 17:20 His entry into the market; 25:00 Working above the business and having a clear business plan; 33:31 Round of Insights Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: Not insisting enough on his old client to move forward with the work on time. Digital Resource: . Most Recommended Book: . Daily Habit: Reading a book, breathing exercises and working out. #1 Insight for launching a syndication business today: Building a key team is critical. Best place to grab a bite in Atlanta, GA: & . Contact John: Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Creating Safe Homes and Communities with Sabrina Osso, Ep. 691
02/28/2025
Creating Safe Homes and Communities with Sabrina Osso, Ep. 691
Sabrina Osso, Founder and CEO of OSSO SAFE, is a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Real Estate Agent dedicated to fostering safety and respect in homes, workplaces, and schools. Drawing from personal and professional experience, she offers a holistic approach to preventing home violence. Her signature initiative, the Osso Safe Certification, integrates education and technology to enhance property safety, featuring the Osso Safe Home Sweet Home Package and her children's book, Home Safe Home For You and Me. A professional dancer and educator, Sabrina uses performance to raise awareness on safety and respect. She was honored with the 2024 HerStory Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who. As a real estate agent, she bridges the industry with Osso Safe’s mission. In this episode, we talked to Sabrina about solving the challenges with violence issues within the household, taking the right action as a property owner, tips on curbing any violence may take place as a property owner, and much more. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Safety in the Household; 02:19 Sabrina's background; 04:55 Handling household violence issues; 11:19 Right actions for property owners; 17:56 Tips on preventing violence as a property owner; 23:11 Round of Insights Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: Finding the right name to her organization. Digital Resource: The upcoming app for Osso Safe. Most Recommended Book: . Daily Habit: Practicing staying in the moment. Best place to grab a bite in Northern New Jersey: . Contact Sabrina: Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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Finding the Right Deal for Your Investing Strategy with Daniel Cocca, Ep. 690
02/25/2025
Finding the Right Deal for Your Investing Strategy with Daniel Cocca, Ep. 690
Daniel Cocca is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Alpha Investing, a real estate private equity firm targeting unique and compelling investment opportunities for the current market cycle and economic climate. Daniel’s background as a NYC biglaw corporate attorney combined with his private equity expertise gives him a unique viewpoint on structuring complex transactions, navigating capital markets, executing unique investment strategies and managing multifaceted real estate deals. Under Daniel’s leadership, Alpha Investing has driven over $3 billion in investments, targeting a unique mix of asset classes and strategies that are often less accessible to individual investors. He has successfully navigated various market changes and opportunities over the years. Given the current market volatility, he is well-positioned to offer valuable insights into emerging real estate trends, strategies for portfolio diversification, and approaches to achieving strong returns across diverse asset classes. In this episode, we talked to Daniel about investing into uncertain markets, sensible investment deals, adjusting investment strategy and how frequent it should be, as well as depending on what change within the market, and much more. Get ready for , happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket. Finding the Right Deal; 02:39 Daniel’s background; 15:37 Tips for investing into uncertain markets; 17:58 An insight into sensible investment deals; 24:43 Adjustment frequency of investment strategies; 29:46 Round of Insights Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind . Round of Insights Apparent Failure: A short-term debt misstep that reinforced a stronger long-term investment strategy.. Digital Resource: and podcasts. Most Recommended Book: . Daily Habit: Working out and pickleball. #1 Insight for investing based on cash flow while still looking for value: Being patient in finding the right deal and taking advantage will help you succeed. Best place to grab a bite: . Contact Daniel: Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please , and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.
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