

The Multifamily Wealth Podcast
Axel Ragnarsson
Axel Ragnarsson speaks with successful real estate investors and dissects how they started, built, and scaled their businesses. In each episode, listeners can expect tactical and actionable information to help grow their business and real estate portfolio.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 27, 2026 • 20min
#315: Answering Listener Questions! Detailing Our Asset Management Process, How We Find Deals, and How To Estimate Construction Costs
In this solo Q&A episode, Axel answers listener-submitted questions covering three core pillars of successful multifamily investing: asset management execution, deal sourcing, and construction cost estimation.Axel breaks down how his team actually operates day-to-day: what gets reviewed on asset management calls, how CapEx decisions are prioritized post-close, and how renovation budgets are underwritten quickly and consistently across deals.This episode is designed for investors who want repeatable processes, not theory. Whether you’re self-managing a small portfolio or overseeing third-party managers on larger assets, the frameworks shared here are immediately applicable.Join us as we dive into:How Axel structures weekly and bi-weekly asset management callsWhy the first 30–90 days after closing matter more than most investors realizeHow front-loading CapEx impacts tenant retention and long-term NOIWhen it makes sense not to renovate common areasHow often financials should be reviewed and what to look forA simple framework for estimating renovation costs by square footTypical light, medium, and heavy value-add renovation rangesHow property managers help validate construction budgetsThe acquisition channels Axel is actively using todayWhy being “easy to work with” still matters when sourcing dealsAre 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.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Jan 20, 2026 • 50min
#314: The 5-Point Framework For Evaluating Passive Investments, Building Investor Relationships, and 2026 Opportunities with Spencer Hilligoss
In this episode of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast, we sit down with Spencer Hilligoss of Madison Investing, for a tactical and transparent conversation on how passive investors should evaluate deals, vet sponsors, and position their portfolios for 2026.Spencer brings a rare dual perspective, having personally invested across dozens of passive deals and raised capital from multiple LPs. Together, Axel and Spencer break down what has changed in the last few years, where many investors went wrong, and what actually matters when building long-term wealth through multifamily and alternative assets.The conversation focuses on frameworks, capital stack awareness, downside protection, and relationship-driven capital formation—all especially critical in today’s post-2022 market environment.If you’re a passive investor trying to invest smarter or a sponsor looking to raise capital the right way, this episode offers practical, hard-earned insight from both sides of the table.Join us as we dive into:Spencer’s journey from tech leadership into passive real estate investingWhy owning rentals with property management is still not truly passiveThe 5-point framework Spencer uses to evaluate sponsors and dealsWhy strong track records from 2020–2022 can be misleadingThe importance of understanding debt, capital stacks, and preferred equityWhy many investors misunderstand whether they’re investing for cash flow or growthHow Spencer organically built an LP base through trust and relationshipsWhat types of deals and structures are most attractive heading into 2026Why conservative projections often outperform aggressive underwritingAre 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Spencer:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinLearn more about Madison Investing

Jan 13, 2026 • 20min
#313: Three Pieces of News/Data Informing Our Approach To Investing in 2026... Declining Rents, Higher Home Sales, and Impending Legislation
In this solo episode, Axel breaks down three specific pieces of news and data that are directly informing how his team is thinking about multifamily investing decisions in 2026.Axel also explains why increased single-family home sales can actually be a positive signal for rental demand, why nationwide rent declines, even in historically strong markets are changing underwriting assumptions, and why investors must now treat political and regulatory risk as a core part of market selection.If you’re planning acquisitions, evaluating risk, or adjusting operations heading into 2026, this episode provides a practical framework for how to interpret today’s data—and what to do with it.Join us as we dive into:Why higher single-family home sales can actually support rental demandWhat this tells us about supply, demand, and realistic rent growth assumptions.How legislative and political risk is becoming unavoidable in market selectionWhy private property rights should now be treated like any other core investment metricWhy more people moving and transacting is often a sign of housing market health.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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Jan 6, 2026 • 46min
#312: Vetting Partners, Importance of Transparency, and Diving Into The Pros and Cons of Preferred Equity with Steeve Breton
In this episode, Axel sits down with Steeve Breton, Founder of Velocity Capital Partners, to break down what long-term multifamily investors need to understand about partner selection, transparency with investors, and the growing role of preferred equity and structured capital in today’s market.Steeve shares his journey from buying small duplexes in New England to sponsoring and investing in 25+ large multifamily and development deals across the U.S. The conversation dives deep into how partnerships evolve over time, what can go wrong when alignment breaks down, and why control and transparency have become non-negotiables in today’s environment.The episode also includes an in-depth, tactical discussion on preferred equity and structured equity, including when it makes sense for sponsors, how it protects LPs, and how it’s being used to solve real capital stack challenges in a tougher fundraising market.If you’re a sponsor navigating partnerships, raising capital in today’s environment, or considering preferred equity as part of your deal structure, this episode is packed with real-world insight.Join us as we dive into:Steeve’s path from small local rentals to large-scale multifamily investingWhy partner quality matters more than market selectionHard-earned lessons from partnerships that didn’t work outHow to properly vet partners (including background checks and gut instincts)Why radical transparency is becoming essential for raising capitalHow preferred equity and structured equity actually workThe role preferred equity plays in protecting LPs during stressed periodsWhen preferred equity makes sense for sponsors — and when it doesn’tMarket conditions and deal types Steeve is avoiding todayHow today’s supply dynamics are impacting underwriting and risk assessmentAre 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Steeve:Connect with him on LinkedinLearn more about Velocity Capital Partners

Dec 30, 2025 • 23min
#311: Sharing 8 Predictions + Trends for 2026 That Multifamily Investors Need To Be Aware Of
In this final episode of 2025, Axel shares eight forward-looking predictions and trends that multifamily investors need to be aware of as we head into 2026.Moving beyond the generic predictions found in major publications, Axel focuses on the data-driven reality of the 2026 market. This isn't about following optimistic forecasts; it’s about mapping a strategy based on the actual trends and ground-level shifts we are seeing as 2025 draws to a close.These insights aren't coming from a crystal ball, but from the practical realities we are actively using to shape our own investment strategy for the year ahead.If you’re planning acquisitions, dispositions, or operational changes in 2026, this episode provides a practical framework for adjusting expectations and positioning your business accordingly.The 8 Predictions Covered in This Episode#1: Real estate is becoming a highly politicized asset class#2: C-class valuations will struggle to rebound#3: Light value-add becomes the new standard#4: The property management divide will explode#5: The market trades more efficiently (especially for smaller assets)#6: Price beats amenities in B/C class assets#7: The homeownership gap widens#8: Multifamily valuations stay flatThe investors who understand these shifts and position accordingly will be the ones who generate returns in 2026. The ones who keep underwriting (and more importantly, operating assets) like it's 2022-2025 are going to struggle.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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Dec 23, 2025 • 48min
#310: Growing From a Duplex to 900+ Units and Bringing Management In-House (And The Challenges of Doing So) with Lee Yoder
In this engaging discussion, Lee Yoder, founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing, shares his transformative journey from managing a single duplex to overseeing over 900 multifamily units. He reflects on the tough lessons learned while scaling and the pivotal decision to bring property management in-house, shedding light on unexpected challenges like HR burdens and operational complexities. Lee also dives into building effective teams, maintaining cash flow discipline, and why in-house management requires patience and strategic thinking for long-term success.

Dec 16, 2025 • 52min
#309: Optimizing Lease Terms, Actionable Budgeting, The True Cost of Turnover, and Becoming A Better Asset Manager with Stacey Hampton
Axel welcomes back Stacey Hampton, founder of Asset NOI Consulting, for a highly tactical conversation focused on improving multifamily operations in today’s challenging environment.Stacey breaks down how asset managers can move beyond surface-level KPIs and start focusing on the metrics that actually drive performance. She explains how to turn annual budgets into actionable operating plans, how to think strategically about lease expirations throughout the year, and why understanding the true cost of turnover fundamentally changes decision-making.The conversation also dives deep into renewal strategy, retention timing, workforce housing dynamics, and why optimizing for cash flow, not just rent growth is critical for long-term operators.This episode is a must-listen for owners, asset managers, and operators who want to tighten operations, protect NOI, and make better data-driven decisions.Join us as we dive into:The difference between asset management strategy vs. property management executionHow to convert a budget into a clear, measurable action planWhy landing Q1 is critical to hitting annual NOI targetsHow to intentionally manage lease expirations across the calendar yearThe real, fully-loaded cost of a unit turnoverWhy retention and occupancy are often more powerful than rent growthTools and AI resources Stacey is using to stay ahead of operational trendsAre 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Stacey:Connect with him on Linkedin

Dec 9, 2025 • 16min
#308: The Tactical Guide For Sponsors Looking To Raise Their First $1M, $5M, and $10M in Investor Capital
In this solo episode, we share an extremely tactical, milestone-based roadmap for sponsors who want to raise their first $1M, $5M, and eventually $10M+ in investor capital.Axel explains why each stage requires a completely different set of activities, why brute-force outreach is the only reliable way to raise your first seven figures, and how inbound marketing, email lists, social content, referrals, and track record compounding begin to take over once your investor base matures.This episode is a hands-on playbook for anyone planning to raise capital in 2026, from brand-new sponsors raising for their first deal to experienced operators looking to scale more intentionally.Join us as we dive into:Why raising your first $1M is 100% outbound, brute-force communicationThe experience you must have before raising a single investor dollarExactly what activities sponsors should focus on at the $1M → $5M stageThe content, email, and marketing systems required to attract scalable inbound leadsWhy referrals and repeat investors become the engine behind raising $5M → $10M+How to set process-based goals to grow your capital-raising machine in 2026Are 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Dec 2, 2025 • 43min
#307: An Insanely Tactical Deep Dive Into How Multifamily Investors Can Leverage AI To Grow Their Businesses with Jake Heller
Axel sits down with Jake Heller, co-founder of the AI for CRE Collective, for one of the most tactical and implementation-focused conversations ever released on the Multifamily Wealth Podcast.This is a killer episode in how multifamily investors can begin adopting AI today to streamline underwriting, automate repetitive tasks, speed up market research, build better investor materials, and dramatically increase operational output without hiring additional staff.Jake breaks down the exact tools he uses, the automations he’s built, and why AI isn’t replacing real estate professionals, but multiplying their capabilities. If you’re using AI at a bare-bones level (or barely using it at all), this episode walks you step-by-step through where to start and how to integrate AI into your business in a real and meaningful way.Join us as we dive into:Why “AI replacing people” is a misconception—and how it actually amplifies investor productivitySpecific tools multifamily investors should adopt (Gamma, Claude, Grok, Relay, Index/Shortcut, NotebookLM, etc.)How to use AI to automatically: Underwrite deals, pull rent comps and sales comps, create investor decks; summarize calls, emails, and market data and more!How to use AI note-takers, workflow automators, and email-based agentsHow to consolidate your historical data so AI tools can actually learn your voice and processWhat “digital twins” are—and how Jake uses them to simulate the decision-making frameworks of leaders like Stuart MillerWhy the investors who adopt AI today will dramatically outpace those who waitAre 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Jake:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinLearn more about AI for CRE Collective

Nov 25, 2025 • 20min
#306: Sharing Tactical Tips for Multifamily Investors Who Want To Make More Creative Offers When Pursuing Deals
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 sellers, or navigating tight constraints with lenders, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can immediately apply to your own acquisitions.Join us as we dive into:Why now is the best time to get more creative with your offersHow to negotiate with lenders using interest escrows and earn-outsHow to collaborate with sellers to accelerate your business planWays to incentivize sellers to deliver vacant units, handle repairs, or secure renewalsHow staggered closing dates can benefit both the buyer and sellerHow to structure seller financing, tiered interest, and seller credits to reduce cash needed at closingAre 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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners


