In this tactical episode, Axel shares specific, actionable strategies multifamily buyers can use to structure more creative and compelling offers, especially in today’s buyer-leaning market. He breaks down how to think beyond “price and timelines” and instead use deal structure, seller collaboration, lender creativity, and strategic concessions to win more deals, reduce cash requirements, and speed up your business plan. Whether you’re pursuing value-add properties, working with mom-and-pop s...
In Episode, Axel welcomes back the very first guest ever featured on the Multifamily Wealth Podcast — Chris Grenzig, founder of JAG Capital and JAG Property Management. Chris shares his story of bootstrapping a property management company from scratch, why he intentionally started small, and how he built out systems, and a service model that actually works for investors. He also discusses how his background in institutional asset management shaped the way he approaches underwriting, operation...
Axel shares five practical leasing strategies that every multifamily operator can implement to reduce vacancy, maximize rent roll, and ultimately increase NOI. These are simple, high-impact tactics that work whether you self-manage, run an in-house property management team, or work with a third-party manager. Axel also breaks down how to use staggered lease terms to avoid bad leasing cycles, how and why to incentivize referrals, how to drive more online reviews, and how to structure concessio...
In this episode, Axel Ragnarsson is joined by John Makarewicz, President and Head of Operations at Faris Capital Partners, to discuss how sponsors can stand out in a crowded multifamily space and the systems that drive excellent asset management. John shares his journey from scaling one of the largest residential brokerages in the Southeast to building Faris Capital Partners, a firm focused on world-class investor and resident experiences. He explains how they differentiate themselves from ot...
In this solo episode, Axel breaks down one of the most overlooked aspects of multifamily ownership—the timing of your CapEx spending. Many investors wait until systems fail before addressing roofs, heating, or parking lots, but Axel explains why this “defer and react” approach can actually hurt you long-term. He shares why leading with your CapEx, creates a more stable operation and more benefits around it. Axel also discusses why you should consider over-renovating one of your first few unit...
In this episode, Axel sits down with Levi Allen and Joe Rinderknecht, co-founders of Cowboy Capital, to talk about their journey from a tough first deal to becoming trusted operators with a growing investor base. They share how they salvaged a challenging early project that nearly sank their business, what they learned about managing investor relationships through transparency, and the principles that guide every deal they do today. From ranching roots to raising millions in capital, Levi and...
In this special milestone episode, Axel Ragnarsson celebrates 300 episodes of The Multifamily Wealth Podcast by reflecting on how his business—and his mindset—has evolved since the show began in 2020. From launching with 42 units and no investors to managing over 500 units and $18M in equity today, Axel walks through the journey of growth, lessons learned, and the mindset shifts that have shaped his investing philosophy. He shares what he’s learned about raising capital, expanding (and contra...
Harrison Riley’s journey into real estate is anything but traditional. After building a small multifamily portfolio, he realized he didn’t enjoy the property management grind and decided to shift his focus toward raising capital and building partnerships. In this episode, Harrison shares the lessons he learned from painful contractor mistakes, why he ultimately divested from Pittsburgh to focus on larger deals in Cleveland, and how he approaches building long-term relationships with LPs. He a...
From professional water polo in Russia to raising capital for over 20 multifamily deals in the U.S., Igor Shaltanov’s story is all about resilience, discipline, and smart investing. In this episode, Igor shares how he went from renting out his mom’s spare apartment in Moscow to building a U.S. real estate business, starting with single-family homes before scaling into multifamily. He explains why he became an LP in 10 deals before actively investing, the lessons learned from both successful a...
We all hear “conventional wisdom” in real estate—but sometimes, following it blindly can cost you big. In this solo episode, I share the five controversial real estate takes (or “hills I’m willing to die on”) that I feel strongest about. Some of these might challenge how you started your investing career. But if you’re a new or growing investor, these lessons will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a stronger foundation for your portfolio. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why workin...
In this episode, Axel sits down with Jason Yarusi—real estate investor, entrepreneur, and operator of a 3,000+ unit multifamily portfolio. Jason shares his journey from running bars and restaurants in New York City to building a thriving multifamily business in the Southeast. He talks about the lessons learned from his early days in construction, how a near-death experience changed his mindset, and why “focus” has been the key to scaling successfully. The conversation also dives deep into m...
What makes a multifamily deal truly irresistible? For us, it comes down to five specific attributes that signal, this is one we want to buy. In this solo episode, I break down the five “holy grail” characteristics we look for in deals—and why these features dramatically increase the odds of success. If you’re a value-add investor, you’ll likely be targeting similar opportunities. Join us as we explore: Why minimal systems CapEx and maximum value-add renos are the sweet spot The management ...
What does it take to rebuild your life—and your business—after losing it all? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Morawski, a 30-year real estate veteran, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, whose story is one of both caution and inspiration. Mike built a $60M portfolio, lost everything, served a decade in federal prison, and then came back to rebuild his business and his life from scratch. We dive into market cycles, market selection, lessons from failure, and the mindset it takes to overco...
Every investor has a deal that got away. For me, one in particular still stings—not because of market timing or bad luck, but because the failure was entirely within my control. In this solo episode, I share the story of a property I pursued back in 2018–2019 that had all the makings of a “holy grail” deal... and how I whiffed on it. More importantly, I unpack the lessons learned that continue to guide my investing approach today—and that I hope will save you from making the same mistake. ...
We’ve all heard it: location, location, location. But what does that really mean when you’re underwriting multifamily deals—and how should it actually impact your numbers? In this solo episode, I break down the real, tangible differences between buying in a good location versus a bad one—within the same asset class. Drawing from years of operating properties across varying submarkets, I share the operational, financial, and time-management impacts that location has, far beyond the cliché. ...
Struggling to source more multifamily opportunities? The truth is, you don’t need 10 hours a week—you need just 30 focused minutes. In this solo episode, I break down the three high-ROI activities any investor can do weekly to uncover more deals and stay top-of-mind with the people who are most likely to send you opportunities. These simple actions are repeatable, require no fancy tools, and most investors aren’t doing them consistently—which is exactly why they work. Join us as we explore:...
There’s a major shift happening in the small multifamily space—and if you’re not paying attention, you might miss your window. In this solo episode, I break down the growing competition in the small-to-mid-sized multifamily market and why it’s becoming harder to find an edge. We cover what’s changed, who’s entering the space, and how savvy investors can still win if they act now. Join us as we explore: Why small multifamily properties are being pursued by more sophisticated capitalThe key m...
Ever feel overwhelmed after closing on a multifamily deal? Not sure where to start—or in what order—to execute your business plan effectively? In this episode, I break down the five-step value-add process we follow after acquiring a multifamily property to our portfolio. Whether you're self-managing, have your property management firm or working with a third-party team, this framework helps you sequence improvements for maximum impact—operationally and financially. Join us as we explore: Th...
Wondering why some real estate investors scale rapidly while others stay stuck for years? The answer is much simpler than you think. In this quick solo episode, I break down the one fundamental difference that sets fast-scaling investors apart—and how you can apply it to accelerate your own portfolio growth. Whether you're just starting or looking to break through a plateau, this is the five-minute mindset shift you need. Join us as we dive into: The two-part formula that powers rapid growth...
In this episode, we sit down to talk through a challenge many investors are facing: how to confidently make investment decisions amid global tension, economic uncertainty, and nonstop headlines. Drawing from recent conversations with LPs and operators, Axel unpacks the mindset shifts and practical tactics investors can use to stay focused and make sound decisions—regardless of market noise or world events. Join us as we dive into: Why uncertain markets often create some of the best opportuni...