The Best Ever CRE Show JF 4012: Houston Suburbs, Deposit Alternatives, In-House Ops ft. Robert Martinez
Aug 29, 2025
Robert Martinez, Founder and CEO of Rockstar Capital, discusses his journey from post-recession multifamily investments to building a successful Houston-centric portfolio. He emphasizes conservative underwriting and shares his 'make them stay' strategies, focusing on amenities like in-unit laundry and deposit-alternative fees. Martinez highlights the importance of self-management and location in the Houston suburbs, alongside monitoring online reviews and prioritizing staff well-being for operational success.
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Recession-Era Start And First Wins
- Robert started buying during the Great Recession and learned survival by focusing on renewals and leasing skills.
- His first deals paid $24,500 per door and later sold for $113,000 per door, teaching patience and selection.
Underwrite For Stress, Not Optimism
- Underwrite conservatively today and assume lower leverage like ~65% LTV to survive rate and cost shocks.
- Stress-test exits with higher interest-rate scenarios to ensure you get at least your money back.
Stay In Your Asset Class Box
- Stick to your asset class expertise; Robert kept 80% of portfolio in Class B workforce housing.
- Avoid chasing Class A if your operations and tenant profile suit B/C fundamentals.