

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

May 20, 2025 • 43min
#283: How PMs Can Asset Manage, Leveraging Technology, and Building a 1,000+ Unit PM Company with Casey Howe
In this episode, we sit down with Casey Howe, founder of Howe Property Management, a New England-based firm managing over 1,000+ multifamily units. Casey shares his journey from SaaS and tech sales to building one of the region’s most tech-forward property management companies—offering a refreshing, systems-driven perspective on how PMs can evolve into true strategic partners for investors.Whether you're self-managing, using a third-party PM, or building your own operations team, this is a must-listen conversation packed with operational gold.Join us as we dive into:Casey’s transition from tech sales to building a high-performing property management teamHow to vet, implement, and iterate tech systems to improve operations without killing the tenant experienceWhy PMs need to start thinking like asset managers—and how Casey's team delivers bothHow small tweaks in maintenance response times can materially improve renewal rates and reduce vacancyLessons from scaling a scattered-site portfolio and what most PMs get wrong about client communication and leasing strategyAre 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📢 Connect with Casey:Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyhowe/Or visit: https://www.howzerpropertymanagement.com/

May 13, 2025 • 47min
#282: Building a Robust Organization That Owns/Operates 1,000+ Multifamily Units and Flips 100s of SFHs with Brian Ferguson
In this episode, we sit down with Brian Ferguson, a real estate entrepreneur whose company owns and operates over 1,000 multifamily units, hundreds of single-family flips per year, and manages a significant retail portfolio. Brian shares how he built a vertically integrated business over the past two decades—and how operators can scale their team, protect their time, and stay disciplined across asset classes.Whether you’re flipping houses, buying apartments, or building your first team, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights on building a business that lasts.Join us as we dive into:Brian’s journey from motorcycle sales to flipping homes, building a rental portfolio, and scaling into multifamily and retailHow to run a lean, high-output team using EOS and deep personality testingWhy choosing the right first hires is crucial—and how to calculate when to make themBuilding operational systems that reduce turnover and unlock true scalabilityHow Brian balances multiple real estate verticals while staying focused on high-cash-flow opportunitiesHis multifamily buy box, why operational inefficiencies are his #1 value-add target, and what he’s seeing in today’s Texas marketAre 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📢 Connect with Brian:Connect with him at http://fergmarcapital.com/

May 6, 2025 • 10min
#281: A 1% Increase in Vacancy Rate Reduces Cash Flow By 4-6%... Why Managing Revenue Is So Critical in Multifamily Operations
In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked levers in multifamily operations: revenue management. Through real-world math and clear examples, I explain and share how small changes in occupancy can create huge swings in cash flow—and why reducing turnover and maximizing renewals should be top priorities for any operator or asset manager.This is a short but highly tactical solo episode packed with insights that can directly improve your property performance.Join us as we dive into:Why a 1% change in vacancy can lead to a 4–6% drop in free cash flowThe high cost of turnover—and how to reduce itWhy most operating expenses are fixed, and what that means for NOIThe tradeoff between pushing rents vs. preserving renewalsA simple rule of thumb to apply when modeling vacancy and rent collectionAre 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

Apr 29, 2025 • 44min
#280: Effectively Presenting Offers To Brokers and The Current State of The FL (and National) Multifamily Market with Top FL Broker Mark Savarese
I sat down with a friend of mine Mark Savarase, a top multifamily broker in the state of Florida. He’s been a full-time broker for 7-years under Franklin Street. Mark shares his unique journey from doing baseball and then getting into the Real Estate business.This is one great episode with Mark that is packed with value for brokers, investors, or lenders; so be sure to take notes as you’ll definitely walk away with insights to apply immediately.Join us as we dive into:Market contingencies & trends as well as the evolution of real estate in FloridaEffective offer presentation strategies and Understanding Buyer UnderwritingBuilding Relationships as a Broker, Investor/Principal, or LenderThe Importance of Being Easy to Work With as a Real Estate ProfessionalBuilding Long-Term Success in Real Estate BrokerageAre 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📢 Connect with Mark:Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksavarese/Or email him at: Mark.Savarese@franklinst.com

Apr 22, 2025 • 53min
#279: How Much Turnover is Costing You, The One KPI Operators Need To Track, Maximizing Renewals, & More with Stacey Hampton
In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Hampton, a multifamily operations and asset management expert with over 25 years of experience. Stacey shares her journey from hospitality to building a consultancy that helps investors increase NOI, reduce delinquency, and tighten operations.This is one of the most tactical and value-packed episodes to date—whether you’re an operator, asset manager, or LP, you’ll walk away with powerful insights to apply immediately.Join us as we dive into:- How to calculate the true cost of turnover and why it matters- The one KPI every operator needs to track—and it’s not what you think- Reducing delinquencies by understanding write-offs and resident fraud- How to increase renewals through more tailored, strategic lease offers- Best tech tools operators are using to improve cash flow and tenant experience📢 Connect with Stacey:Connect with her on LinkedInAre 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

Apr 15, 2025 • 22min
#278: How Do We Think About Debt? Our 4 Core Principles When Evaluating Lenders and Term Sheets
Ever find yourself navigating the complex world of debt and lending, wondering how to secure the best terms for your real estate deals? In this episode, I’m going to do a bit of a deep dive into the details of our debt and lending strategies for property acquisitions and refinances, focusing on lender selection and term prioritization.As well as expounding into our four (4) big principles:✅ Why having an exit strategy built into your loan terms is crucial for long-term success.✅ Discover the advantages of securing lenders who offer extended interest-only periods and minimal escrow requirements.✅ Understand why we focus on debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) over loan-to-value (LTV) when assessing deals.✅ Learn the importance of building relationships with lenders who are responsive, transparent, and collaborative.If you're looking to optimize your debt strategy and secure favorable lending terms, this episode is a must-listen. We'll equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to make informed decisions and achieve your real estate investment goals.🔗 Ready to take this strategy to the next level? Join the Multifamily Wealth Community for hands-on guidance, resources, and support.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

Apr 8, 2025 • 23min
#277: Feedback Episode! Quick Deal Screening Tips, Raising Capital vs. Using More Debt, Long-Terms For Our Business
Ever feel stuck choosing between raising capital or taking on more debt? What if you could screen deals quickly and build a long-term strategy without overcomplicating your business?In this solo episode, I answered some questions submitted to me within my Multifamily Wealth Community! So, this episode is sort of a feedback or you could say a question and answer type of episode. Aside from that, I also share my thoughts on our business right now, how I thought about it when we started and also about how we quickly look at deals.Join us as we explore:✅ The Metrics we use to screen small and large deals✅ My personal plans with our business as it relates to getting into new markets, or pursuing different types of deals✅How we think about using debt vs. equity✅Our thought processes on raising capital, on using debt or even doing both🔗 Ready to take this strategy to the next level? Join the Multifamily Wealth Community for hands-on guidance, resources, and support.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

Apr 1, 2025 • 45min
#276: Effectively Operating a Large Portfolio of Scattered-Site Multifamily + Leveraging Tech in Operations with Michael Root
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Root, managing partner at Root Property Group, to discuss how he successfully operates a scattered-site multifamily portfolio in Chicago. With nearly 800 units across 80+ buildings, Michael shares how his team optimizes operations, builds community among residents, and leverages technology to streamline processes.Join us as we dive into:Michael’s journey from managing his father’s small portfolio to building a vertically integrated real estate companyThe challenges and strategies of managing a scattered-site portfolioHow technology—like AI-driven chatbots and automated scheduling—is improving property management efficiencyThe value-add playbook: When to renovate, refinance, or sellThe importance of tenant experience in achieving an 82% lease renewal rateAre 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 PartnersConnect with Michael:Root Property Group: https://www.rootrealty.com/Connect with him on Linkedin Email: mroot@rootpg.com for Chicago Property Investment Deals!

Mar 25, 2025 • 43min
#275: How To Build A Massive Online Brand And Use It To Raise Capital and Create Deal Flow with Multifamily OG Michael Blank
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Blank, a multifamily real estate veteran, educator, and content powerhouse. Over the past decade, Michael has built one of the most recognizable brands in the multifamily investing space, helping thousands achieve financial freedom through apartment syndications.If you're looking to raise capital, create deal flow, and scale your real estate business, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how to leverage content marketing, personal branding, and strategic partnerships to fuel your growth.Join us as we dive into:Lessons from his early deals—including painful mistakes and key takeawaysWhy picking the right market matters and how to evaluate investment locationsHow to build an online brand that attracts capital, deal flow, and long-term business successThe step-by-step content strategy Michael used to grow his investor network and raise millionsThe current state of the multifamily market and why now is a great time to buyAre 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 PartnersConnect with Michael:Michael Blank’s Free Mini-Course: Apartments101.co Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinCheck out his website: TheMichaelBlank.com

Mar 18, 2025 • 15min
#274: Start Sourcing Direct-To-Seller Multifamily Deals In Just 1 Hour/Week By Building Your "Dream" List... No Reason You Can't Do This!
Ever feel like direct-to-seller marketing is too overwhelming or time-consuming? What if you could generate quality multifamily leads in just one hour a week?In this solo episode, I break down a simple and efficient approach to sourcing off-market deals by creating your “dream” list— a highly targeted database of property owners most likely to sell. With this method, you can start building relationships with motivated sellers and uncovering opportunities without spending countless hours or a fortune on marketing.Join us as we explore:✅ The key factors in building a high-quality “dream” list of potential sellers✅ How to filter properties based on location, unit size, and ownership history for maximum efficiency ✅ A simple three-step outreach strategy using calls, emails, and direct mail ✅ How to stay consistent with minimal effort and avoid analysis paralysis ✅ Bonus strategies to increase response rates and stand out from the competitionIf you've been hesitant to start direct-to-seller marketing because it seems too complicated or time-consuming, this episode is for you. By implementing these small, focused actions each week, you can take control of your deal flow and start sourcing profitable multifamily opportunities today!🔗 Ready to take this strategy to the next level? Join the Multifamily Wealth Community for hands-on guidance, resources, and support.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


