Multifamily Insights

John Casmon

Each week, John Casmon speaks with real estate pros and marketing specialists to provide useful tips for multifamily investing. Listen and learn insights for market research, finding deals, attracting capital, and growing your portfolio.

  1. HACE 1 D

    From Healthcare to Apartment Operator with Nic Espanet, Ep. 757

    Nic Espanet is the founder of Flex Equity Group and host of the Flex Forward Podcast. After two decades as a physical therapist, Nic transitioned into real estate—starting with passive investments before becoming a lead general partner. He’s now led eight out of ten multifamily deals across Texas, with a focus on operational systems, investor communication, and market strategy. Through his podcast and syndication work, he helps others build freedom through clarity, consistency, and resilience.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Start as a passive investor to learn best practices and build trust. Your first GP deal might require sacrificing equity to gain credibility. Raising capital today is about thoughtful follow-up, not just email blasts. Real estate’s control and tangibility make it more appealing than stocks. Take fast action with underperforming property managers—delay can cost you.     Topics From Healthcare to Real Estate Nic spent 20+ years in physical therapy before pivoting to real estate. Originally planned to invest in single-family homes before discovering multifamily. His first steps were as a passive LP, which taught him how great GPs operate. The GP Transition Joined a Dallas real estate network to meet experienced sponsors. Partnered with a seasoned operator for his first deal and earned credibility through effort. Built his own investor systems based on what he appreciated as an LP. Capital Raising in Today’s Market Early deals filled in 2–3 days. Now it often takes weeks of phone calls and reminders. Uses GoHighLevel CRM to track interest, follow-ups, and conversations. Avoids texting new investors due to new legislation (SB140 in Texas). Lessons From the Field During COVID, personally took over a failing asset and drove occupancy from 70% to 90%. Now focuses on Texas secondary markets with population growth and minimal new supply. Attributes success to consistent communication, team alignment, and market adaptability.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Nic up for success: Waiting too long to fire a failing property management company. That experience now shapes how fast he acts when performance slips. Digital or mobile resource: GoHighLevel CRM. It tracks soft commits, investor contact, and follow-up history in one place. Book recommendation: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Daily habit: Early morning workouts with friends. It builds discipline, energy, and consistency. #1 insight for scaling a multifamily portfolio: Find and surround yourself with a like-minded community of investors and mentors. Growth comes from relationships. Favorite restaurant in Fort Worth, TX: Joe T. Garcia’s.     Next Steps Visit flexequitygroup.com to learn more or schedule a call Listen to the Flex Forward Podcast for stories on reinvention and real estate     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    43 min
  2. HACE 4 D

    From Prison to Property Development with Kolaiah “Fuzzy” Jardine, Ep. 756

    Kolaiah “Fuzzy” Jardine is a real estate developer, author, and co-founder of Hui Mastermind, a Hawaii-based community focused on empowering Native Hawaiians to build generational wealth. His journey took him from serving time in federal prison to creating a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio and developing affordable housing for local families. As the author of Priced Out of Paradise, Fuzzy is on a mission to teach others how to invest “the Pono way”—with integrity, community, and purpose.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Fuzzy’s transformation from prison to property developer shows the power of mindset and purpose. “The crab in a bucket” mentality, surrounding yourself with the wrong people, keeps you stuck. Taking bold, decisive action (even when broke) can change your trajectory. Investing education is priceless when you’re ready to implement it. “The Pono Way” means people before profit—help others first, and wealth follows.     Topics From Prison to Property Developer Fuzzy grew up in Oahu’s multigenerational households, surrounded by love but also by poverty and addiction. After a prison sentence for drug-related charges, he discovered real estate through a white-collar inmate who taught classes on investing. Determined to change his life, Fuzzy came out of prison with a new mindset and a mission. Finding Purpose and Building Mindset Initial jobs included window washing, surfing instruction, and valet parking—three jobs just to survive in Hawaii. Realized hard work alone wasn’t enough; financial education was key. Discovered Rich Dad Poor Dad and began pursuing real estate investing as a way to create generational wealth. The Turning Point: Fortune Builders While preparing to become a pilot, he heard a radio ad for a real estate training event and pivoted immediately. Borrowed $20K through a native Hawaiian loan and maxed out credit cards to join the program. His conviction came from being “sick and tired of working three jobs” and seeing his parents face foreclosure. Worked for free to gain hands-on experience and eventually became the go-to construction and development partner for other investors. Building Affordable Homes and a Legacy Now leading 60+ projects focused on affordable housing on Hawaii’s Big Island. Emphasizes integrity and “The Pono Way”: helping families in distress before thinking of profits. Sees real estate as a means to restore opportunity for locals priced out of their own communities.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Kolaiah up for success: Going to prison—being forced to reevaluate his life gave him clarity and purpose. Digital or mobile resource: TruePeopleSearch.com. Great for finding owners of distressed properties to connect directly. Book recommendation: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Daily habit: Prayer, expressing gratitude daily for where he is and the opportunities ahead. #1 insight for building generational wealth: Dial in your “why.” Once you know it, nothing can stop you from achieving success. Favorite restaurant in Honolulu, HI: Zippy’s.     Next Steps Get Fuzzy’s book Priced Out of Paradise on Amazon.com Visit fuzzyjardine.com to learn about his projects and mentorship opportunities Follow him on Instagram for real estate education and community impact stories     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    41 min
  3. 10 OCT

    How to Scale in 4 Simple Steps with John Casmon, Ep. 755

    In this week’s solo episode, John Casmon steps away from guest interviews to share hard-earned lessons from his own investing journey. After returning to Chicago to speak at the Chicago Multifamily Club—a group he co-founded years ago—John reflects on the recurring questions he heard from investors eager to scale. Drawing on his personal experience building a portfolio from the ground up, he outlines the four pillars that every multifamily investor needs to master: clarity, relationships, process, and resilience.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Clarity creates direction—understand your “why” before chasing numbers or vanity metrics. Building relationships (“Who not How”) is the key to growth—find mentors, partners, and communities. Follow a proven process instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. Resilience and resourcefulness matter more than experience—problems are inevitable but solvable. Scaling isn’t about doing more work—it’s about building the right team to achieve freedom.     Topics The Chicago Multifamily Club Origin Story John co-founded the club in 2015 after attending too many unproductive meetups. Wanted to create an event that truly helped investors learn how to scale portfolios. Returning to speak at the same event years later was a full-circle moment of growth. 1. Get Clarity Understand why you want financial freedom, not just arbitrary goals like “100 doors.” Real success comes from knowing what your investments are solving for—security, time, or impact. Clarity fuels motivation when challenges arise. 2. Identify Your “Who’s” Networking consistency led John to relationships that shaped his trajectory. Relationships create shortcuts that experience alone cannot. 3. Follow a Proven Process Instead of guessing, John invested in mentorship to learn syndication and scale faster. First syndication: a 192-unit deal in San Antonio with partners from his coaching network. Proven processes eliminate guesswork and create predictable results. 4. Be Resilient and Resourceful Real estate is full of surprises: contractors stealing, investors asking tough questions, and deals going sideways. Resourcefulness—not resources—separates those who thrive from those who quit. Learn from setbacks and keep moving forward.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Next Steps Join John’s investor community at casmoncapital.com Learn more about coaching and the Apartment Investing Mastermind at casmoncapital.com/coaching     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    28 min
  4. 7 OCT

    $25 Million Raised, No Banks, and Generational Wealth with Derek Dombeck, Ep. 754

    Derek Dombeck is a seasoned real estate investor, national speaker, and international bestselling author who has navigated the ups and downs of real estate since 2003. Known for his expertise in creative deal structuring, private lending, and relationship-based investing, Derek has completed thousands of transactions while helping investors gain control over their financial futures. Today, he leads Generational Wealth, where he teaches others how to build lasting legacies through intentional business and personal vision.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Learn to operate without banks by mastering creative deal structures and private lending. Building relationships—not relying on institutions—provides flexibility and resilience in any market. Investors must prioritize communication and integrity to maintain trust with lenders and partners. Success is rooted in having a clear vision for life first, and building business strategies around that. Control and freedom come from understanding “why” you want wealth, not just “how” to achieve it.     Topics From Losing Everything to Creative Control Derek started in the early 2000s with bank financing but lost nearly everything in the 2008 crash. Learned to rebuild through creative financing and raising private capital instead of relying on institutions. Founded a private lending business averaging 20–25 loans per month, lending over $3 million monthly. Why Relationships Beat Banks Institutional lending is transactional—private lending is relational. Investors who communicate transparently with private lenders can work through tough times and maintain trust. Reputation and reliability are worth more than a few basis points in interest savings. Raising Private Capital Raised over $25 million by building genuine connections and paying investors before himself. Early mistake: not developing a network soon enough. Now teaches investors to focus on building long-term trust and a solid track record. Creating a Vision-Led Life Entrepreneurs often trade a 9-to-5 job for a “5-to-9” grind—without defining what they actually want. Derek emphasizes creating a written life vision first, then building a business to support it. The question isn’t how much money you want, but why you want it—and how it supports the life you envision. Rethinking Goals and Ownership Many chase status symbols (like beach houses or luxury cars) without questioning their purpose. Derek explains how experiences can be enjoyed today without waiting decades—like renting a dream home instead of owning it. True wealth is freedom to live intentionally, not accumulation of “stuff.”     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Derek up for success: Not building a network early in his career—learning that relationships are the foundation of longevity. Digital or mobile resource: ChatGPT and GoHighLevel CRM, used together to automate lead management and client communication. Book recommendation: Pitch Anything and Flip the Script by Oren Klaff. Daily habit: Quiet time at 5:30 a.m. to reset, reflect, and start each day with focus and calm. #1 insight for building a strong network: Meet new people daily—whether at events or local REIAs—and prioritize face-to-face relationships.     Next Steps Visit DerekDombeck.com to explore resources, podcasts, and his books Next Level Your Life and The Transformational Journey.     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    38 min
  5. 3 OCT

    How to Leverage Litigation to Buy Commercial Real Estate with Chris Zona, Ep. 753

    Chris Zona is a litigation partner at Mandelbaum Barrett, practicing primarily out of New York City. With nearly 100 trials under his belt, Chris helps investors and businesses turn legal conflict into capital. By leveraging litigation, non-performing loans, and distressed assets, he shows multifamily and commercial real estate investors how to uncover hidden opportunities and generate outsized returns.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Litigation doesn’t have to be a cost center—it can be a source of investment opportunities. Non-performing loans (NPLs) often sell at steep discounts, creating entry points below market value. Attorneys can help investors navigate complex foreclosure timelines and risks. Judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosure states dramatically change the investment timeline. Building strong banking and attorney relationships is essential to sourcing and executing distressed note deals.     Topics Turning Conflict into Capital How Chris reframes litigation as a tool to unlock hidden opportunities. Why distressed debt and litigation finance are increasingly relevant in today’s market. Understanding Non-Performing Loans NPLs often sell at 60–80% of face value, providing opportunities for investors. Secondary markets create deal flow as banks offload risky assets to redeploy capital. The Role of Litigation Attorneys Advising investors on jurisdictional risks, foreclosure timelines, and strategy. Using the threat of litigation to negotiate favorable outcomes without always going to trial. Judicial vs. Non-Judicial States Judicial foreclosures require lawsuits, trials, and long timelines. Non-judicial foreclosures are statutory, faster, and less litigious. Investors must factor timelines into their portfolio strategies. Market Conditions for Distressed Assets Rising interest rates and tighter bank policies have increased the number of NPLs. Why the next 3–5 years may provide significant opportunity for note investors.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Chris up for success: Missing his D1 football dream taught him resilience and focus, which later fueled his legal career. Digital or mobile resource: ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, useful for categorizing thoughts and research preparation. Book recommendation: The Mitch Rapp thriller series by Vince Flynn and Prey series by John Sandford. Daily habit: Morning workouts—cardio and lifting—before tackling the day’s work. #1 insight for investing in NPLs: Be realistic, know your portfolio, patience level, and ability to handle long timelines. Favorite restaurant in Stamford, CT: Towne Parlor.     Next Steps Learn more at Mandelbaum Barrett Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Explore how litigation strategies can complement your real estate portfolio     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    44 min
  6. 30 SEPT

    The Blueprint for Building Wealth with Loral Langemeier, Ep. 752

    Loral Langemeier is a six-time New York Times bestselling author, world-renowned financial expert, and founder of Integrated Wealth Systems. With over 20 years of experience, she has mentored thousands of entrepreneurs and investors, built multimillion-dollar companies, and partnered with legends like Bob Proctor and Robert Kiyosaki. Known as “The Millionaire Maker,” Loral specializes in teaching people how to sequence their wealth and create financial independence through real estate, business, and smart investing strategies.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Sequencing your wealth: doing the right thing at the right time. The importance of mentors and surrounding yourself with the right team. Why databases and consistent communication are critical assets for raising capital. Real estate investors often make mistakes by chasing deals without having capital and credit lined up. Debt can be a powerful tool—being in “good debt” is essential to scale quickly.     Topics From Farm Life to Financial Expert Grew up in Nebraska, discovered Think and Grow Rich early, and hired Bob Proctor at 21. Transitioned from exercise physiologist at Chevron to working with the Rich Dad team as master distributor of the Cashflow game. Building Wealth Through Sequencing Success comes from taking the right steps in the right order—structure before deals. Real estate investors fail when they do the right things at the wrong time. The Power of Mentorship and Team Mentors open doors, but you must provide value and take action. Success is built with a strong, trusted team—not by going solo. Raising Millions Through Databases Used her database of 18,000 people to raise $16M for projects in Oklahoma. Consistent communication and investor education are essential for long-term success. Debt as a Wealth Tool Don’t fear debt—leverage it wisely for higher returns. Millionaires use “good debt” to accelerate wealth, not avoid it.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Loral up for success: Breaking her own rules by skipping team members or systems—learned the importance of never cutting corners. Digital or mobile resource: iFlip — an AI-driven stock trading app that automatically manages entries and exits. Book recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham. Daily habit: Living her values—starting the day with God, prayer, and health routines. #1 insight for building wealth: Want it with every part of your DNA—persistence, determination, and surrounding yourself with the right team. Favorite restaurant in Genoa, NV: The Pink House.     Next Steps Download free resources and connect with Loral at askloral.com/podcast Explore Integrated Wealth Systems for guidance on sequencing and wealth-building strategies     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    37 min
  7. 26 SEPT

    The Right Way to Build Trust and Authority with Nathan Schiess, Ep. 751

    Nathan Schiess is a personal branding strategist and marketing expert who helps real estate professionals build authority, create visibility, and attract aligned relationships through strategic content. With a background in psychology, personal development, and real estate investing, Nathan blends storytelling and strategy to position his clients as trusted leaders in the industry.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways A personal brand is not vanity — it’s a system for communicating credibility to investors. Social media should be treated as a business tool, not a personal diary. High-net-worth individuals invest in people they trust, not just in advertised returns. You don’t need tens of thousands of followers — a small, targeted audience can raise millions. Content should focus on solving your ideal client’s problems, not showcasing yourself.     Topics From Investor to Branding Expert Nathan built a 40-unit portfolio before transitioning to focus on branding. Learned the importance of documenting and marketing expertise after losing everything in a divorce. Why Personal Branding Matters Without a brand, every investor interaction requires retelling your story. A curated online presence creates confidence and trust before the first meeting. Overcoming Objections to Social Media Branding isn’t about you — it’s about your Ideal Client Profile (ICP). Being shy or reluctant isn’t an excuse if your goals require visibility. Branding can be outsourced like any other business function. Content That Builds Trust Define your ICP clearly and tailor content to their problems, questions, roadblocks, and desired results. Consistency and clarity build authority over time. Followers who won’t invest aren’t your audience — focus only on those who will. Monetizing Without Vanity Metrics 1,000 quality followers can generate six figures in deal flow. Followers must know exactly how to work with you — clear calls to action are essential. Avoid content that entertains without converting.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Nathan up for success: Having to liquidate his 40-unit portfolio without proof of his accomplishments led him to build a branding agency. Digital or mobile resource: The One Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib. Book recommendation: No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover. Daily habit: Daily exercise to strengthen the body and sharpen the mind. #1 insight for building a personal brand: Get clear on what you want, clarity drives strategy. Favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City, UT: R&R Barbecue.     Next Steps Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn or Facebook. Explore how personal branding can accelerate capital raising and investor trust.     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    46 min
  8. 23 SEPT

    $1M Raised, 1st Deal, and Just One Investor with Ben Michel, Ep. 750

    Ben Michel is the founder and principal of Ridgeview Property Group, a real estate investment firm focused on value-add multifamily properties in the Twin Cities. After a decade as a multifamily broker, Ben transitioned into investing during the pandemic and has since grown Ridgeview’s portfolio to $25 million in assets. He specializes in heavy-lift renovations using construction debt, transforming underperforming properties into long-term holds that generate stable returns.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways A decade as a broker provided Ben with credibility and deal-analysis skills that investors trusted. Raising capital requires confidence, credibility, and broad connections—not just a handful of close contacts. Expanding his outreach from 50 contacts to thousands transformed his ability to raise funds. Coaching and mentorship were critical for learning construction loans, renovations, and repositioning strategies. Long-term success depends on planning for market cycles with reserves, staggered debt maturities, and strong operations.     Topics From Broker to Investor Ten years as a multifamily broker built experience analyzing deals and observing operators. First investment came from converting a failed listing into a purchase with an investor partner during Covid. Early Capital Raising Lessons First deal funded by a single $1 million investor—a stroke of luck. Learned the hard way that a tiny investor list made future raises difficult. Expanded his outreach by adding thousands of past contacts to his newsletter, enabling a $2.2M raise. Mentorship and Scaling Immediately hired a mentor to learn construction debt, repositioning, and property branding. Shifted from “softball” deals to larger renovations requiring professional systems. Twin Cities Market Strategy Avoids restrictive areas like St. Paul (rent control) and focuses on stable suburbs. Considered Nashville and Bentonville but doubled down locally due to his network and knowledge. Value-Add Execution Renovates 1960s–70s properties with $18–25K per-unit budgets. Upgrades include flooring, cabinets, granite, stainless appliances, dishwashers, and modern lighting. Strategy creates long-term, easier-to-manage assets with better tenant profiles.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Ben up for success: Jumping into his first duplex without guidance or capital taught him the value of mentorship. Digital or mobile resource: X (formerly Twitter) — bookmarking threads from operators sharing multifamily insights. Book recommendation: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson. Daily habit: Visualizing goals, from office setup to portfolio growth, to drive daily focus. #1 insight for scaling a multifamily portfolio: Market cycles are inevitable—plan ahead with reserves and staggered debt maturities. Favorite restaurant in Minneapolis, MN: World Street Kitchen.     Next Steps Connect with Ben on LinkedIn Subscribe to his newsletter for multifamily updates and deal insights     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

    32 min

Información

Each week, John Casmon speaks with real estate pros and marketing specialists to provide useful tips for multifamily investing. Listen and learn insights for market research, finding deals, attracting capital, and growing your portfolio.

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