The Multifamily Wealth Podcast

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 working with a property manager early on can save you thousands in costly mistakesThe surprising reason non-accredited investors shouldn’t invest passivelyWhy 90% of advice from residential agents about investing is worthlessThe case for keeping your first deal simple—even if you don’t make much money on itWhy partnering too early can create bigger headaches than going soloAre 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

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.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Jason:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to his YouTube channelVisit his WebsiteConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

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 spotThe management inefficiencies that create easy wins for experienced operatorsHow low rents with the right resident base set you up for scalable successWhy unit mix matters more than most investors realizeThe overlooked advantage of a collaborative seller (and how it impacts financing and deal structure)NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAre 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

Join Mike Morawski, a resilient real estate veteran and author who rebuilt his $60M business after a decade in prison. He shares insights on navigating market cycles and the importance of strategic market selection to avoid chasing trends. Morawski discusses the risks of over-leverage in syndications and emphasizes the need for discipline and transparency for long-term success. His powerful journey highlights that even after catastrophic failure, reinvention and growth are possible through humility and calculated risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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!