The Multifamily Wealth Podcast

Axel Ragnarsson
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Aug 26, 2025 • 44min

#294: Discussing Market Cycles, Market Selection, and Rebuilding a Business After a Decade in Prison with Mike Morawski

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 overcome adversity while continuing to pursue success in real estate.Join us as we explore:Why understanding market cycles is essential to building a resilient investing strategyHow to select the right markets and avoid chasing “hot” trendsThe risks of over-leverage and mismanagement in syndicationsThe process of rebuilding a business—and reputation—after catastrophic failureHow discipline, humility, and transparency create long-term staying power in real estateAre 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
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Aug 19, 2025 • 15min

#293: A Haunting Story of a Home-Run Deal That I F**ked Up... and What We Learned From It

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.Join us as we explore:Why “standard terms” like financing contingencies can cost you a deal in competitive situationsHow conviction and speed separate winners from losers in direct-to-seller negotiationsWhy collaboration with experienced investors could be the solution when you lack capital or balance sheet strengthThe importance of tying up a great deal first—and figuring out structure secondHow my approach today has flipped, and why I now act with the speed and confidence that once beat me outAre 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
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Aug 12, 2025 • 19min

#292: Everyone Talks About Why Location Is Critical... But What Does That actually Mean When Underwriting Deals?

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.Join us as we explore:The operational realities of good vs. bad locations (even within the same class)Why vacancy, turnover, and repairs should change in your underwriting based on locationThe “ripple effect” location has on demand, resident retention, and NOIHow location impacts your renovation scope and the rent premiums you can achieveWhy better-located properties often deliver a higher dollar per hour return on your time—even with slightly lower projected IRRsAre 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
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Aug 5, 2025 • 8min

#291: Spend 30 Minutes a Week on These 3 Activities If You Want To Find More Multifamily Deals

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:The 10-minute habit that will multiply inbound deal flow through your existing networkHow to use social media (even if you're not active) to stay visible to brokers, investors, and operatorsA simple monthly newsletter strategy that keeps you relevant without sellingHow these activities fit into a “less than 1 hour/week” routineWhy most investors miss these basics and what to do insteadAre 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
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Jul 22, 2025 • 21min

#290: Talking Current Events: The Growing Competition in Small Multifamily... Get it While The Getting is Good!

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 market forces driving increased efficiency in this once “inefficient” nicheHow technology is making scattered-site management easier and more cost-effectiveWhat the generational shift in ownership means for deal flow and pricingWhy today’s edge (deal sourcing, operations, capital structure) may not exist in 5 yearsThe urgent case for doubling down before this opportunity narrows even moreAre 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
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Jul 15, 2025 • 13min

#289: The 5-Step Value-Add Process We Follow After Buying a Multifamily Property

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:The very first thing to address before you even close on the propertyWhy tackling deferred maintenance and improving curb appeal should happen before pushing rentsHow to build goodwill with tenants before issuing rent increases or implementing feesThe most strategic time to renovate and lease units for maximum rent bumpsThe often-overlooked optimization layer that separates average operators from great ones.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.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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Jul 8, 2025 • 7min

#288: In 5 Minutes I Explain The One Thing That Separates Investors Who Rapidly Scale Vs. Those That Don't

Curious about what differentiates rapidly scaling real estate investors from those who struggle? Discover the critical two-part formula that fuels fast growth and the importance of sourcing great deals, no matter your experience level. Learn how leveraging high-debt or equity partners can significantly boost your progress. Additionally, find out why early-stage investors shouldn’t just focus on underwriting models and how combining deal flow with capital access serves as the key to scaling. It's a quick mindset shift anyone can apply!
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Jul 1, 2025 • 17min

#287: Struggling To Make Confident Investment Decisions During This Time of World/Economic Uncertainty? Here Are Some Mindset Shifts and Tactical Tips To Help

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 opportunitiesA practical framework for controlling what you can control: market, asset type, deal structure, and moreThe difference between data-driven underwriting and fear-based hesitationA mindset shift that helps you avoid binary “invest or don’t invest” thinkingWhy young investors in particular should consider getting in the game—even if things feel uncertainAre 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
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Jun 10, 2025 • 16min

#286: How We Overcome The 3 Most Common Objections From Sellers + Launching the NH Multifamily Fund III

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners, to break down the three most common objections sellers give—and exactly how to respond to them effectively. Whether you're negotiating direct-to-seller deals or just want to sharpen your acquisition skills, this solo episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Plus, Axel shares the launch of the New Hampshire Multifamily Fund III, a new investment vehicle that gives investors access to small multifamily deals that are typically not easy to access due to their size and complexity.Join us as we dive into:The 3 most common seller objections—and why they come up so frequentlyHow to respond to "I'm not ready to sell" without alienating the opportunityWhat to say when sellers don’t want tenants to know a sale is happeningWhy pricing objections are rarely about numbers—and how to use data to reset expectationsAre 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
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Jun 3, 2025 • 11min

#285: The 3 Financial Reasons To Hire a PM Company... OUTSIDE Of The Time Savings

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, for a practical solo breakdown of three overlooked financial advantages of hiring a property management company.While most investors think of property management as a time-saving decision, Axel explains how the right PM can also improve your bottom line through better vendor pricing, optimized leasing, and built-in bookkeeping systems. If you're self-managing—or thinking about doing so—this episode is a must-listen.Join us as we dive into:How experienced PMs get better pricing from contractors and vendors through scaleThe advantage of real-time rent comps from PMs who are constantly leasing units in your marketWhy your PM is also your built-in bookkeeper—and how that compares to hiring one separatelyThe collections advantage that professional PMs bring over self-managing landlordsWhy even small portfolios benefit financially from third-party management (if you choose the right one)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.Connect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

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