#296: Building a 3,000 Unit Portfolio, Selecting Markets, and The Power of Narrow Focus with Jason Yarusi

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 market selection, asset management best practices, and what it really takes to transition from small multifamily to large-scale acquisitions. Jason explains why he narrowed in on markets like Louisville and Nashville, how he leverages both in-house and third-party property management, and why consistency and follow-up often separate successful investors from those who fall short.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your portfolio, Jason’s story is packed with lessons about resilience, execution, and the discipline of sticking to your investment criteria.

Join us as we explore:

• How Jason pivoted from hospitality into real estate after a life-changing accident.
• The importance of being specific with your goals and investment criteria.
• Why narrow focus accelerates credibility with brokers, partners, and investors.
• The pros and cons of bringing property management in-house.
• How market dynamics in places like Louisville and Nashville shape acquisition strategy.
• Best practices for asset management and managing third-party property managers.
• Why follow-up is one of the most underrated tools for winning deals.

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

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