Multifamily Insights

John Casmon
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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. 2D AGO

    Avoid "Feast or Famine" as an Agent or Investor with Curtis Grimes, Ep. 780

    Curtis Grimes is a Florida real estate professional with 20+ years of investing experience. He's a licensed Realtor in Florida, a certified general contractor, a certified home inspector, and a certified elevator instructor. Curtis and his wife work as a team under "The Grimes Group," with Curtis primarily focused on buyers and his wife primarily focused on listings.      Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.      Key Takeaways Avoid overextending and keep capital in reserve so you can survive downturns and stay in the game  Treat real estate like a real business: track overhead, know your numbers, and manage cash flow consistently  When converting a home into a rental, lead with the numbers, the long-game use case, and the HOA/condo rules that can limit renting  In vacation-rental markets, price and occupancy fluctuate, so model seasonality and make sure you can still cover overhead during slower months  Build stability through disciplined lead generation, financial planning, and repeat/referral relationships that compound over time      Topics From Queensbridge to Florida real estate Curtis shares his early background in New York, the move to Florida, and how he and his wife built their real estate path together  Surviving 2008 and rebuilding with resilience Losing properties and even a primary residence, then continuing forward by downsizing, consolidating, and planning for recovery  How to avoid "feast or famine" as an agent or investor Why lead generation, budgeting, and running operations like a real business matters more when the market slows  Vacation rentals and seasonality in Orlando Stabilizing rents and home prices, plus how peak and off-peak seasons affect pricing strategy and returns  Converting a home into a rental How to think through valuation, numbers, demand drivers, and especially HOA guidelines and rental restrictions      📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.      Round of Insights Failure that set Curtis up for success: 2008, and the reset it created around reserves, resilience, and never being caught without enough overhead coverage again. Digital or mobile resource Curtis recommends: He suggests reaching out to The Grimes Group directly for market data and updates. Book Curtis has recommended or gifted the most in the last year: Shift and The Psychology of Money Daily habit that helps Curtis stay focused: Creating a routine, waking up early, starting the day with gratitude, and structuring his mornings around calls and appointments. Favorite restaurant in Orlando: Chili's.     Next Steps Reach out to Curtis via e-mail. Check out the website to learn more: Link Review your personal and business reserves, and define the minimum cash cushion you need to survive a slow market  Write down your monthly overhead and track it like a business (not "whatever is left is profit")  If you're considering turning a home into a rental, verify HOA/condo bylaws and rental restrictions before you commit  Model seasonality if you're underwriting a vacation rental, and pressure-test your numbers in slower months      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 don't miss an episode.

    33 min

  2. FEB 10

    Avoid These Traps with Your Retirement Plan with Alan Porter, Ep. 779

    Alan Porter is a former U.S. Army Black Hawk instructor pilot turned nationally recognized financial educator, bestselling author, and certified financial fiduciary. After a long military career and success in real estate and mortgage lending, a series of family health crises reshaped his understanding of financial planning, life insurance, and long-term care. Today, Alan specializes in advanced tax-free retirement planning, wealth preservation, business exit strategies, and legacy planning for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Understand why health events, not market cycles, are the biggest threat to retirement security Learn how sequence of returns risk can quietly devastate traditional retirement plans Discover how life insurance can function as a tax-free retirement and liquidity tool See why effective interest cost matters more than stated interest rates Learn how proactive tax and retirement planning can protect wealth across generations     Topics Why Financial Planning Became Personal for Alan Family health crises exposed major gaps in traditional planning Terminal illness rider benefits provided critical, tax-free liquidity Firsthand experience reshaped Alan's career focus Health Care Costs and Long-Term Care Risk Long-term care costs range from $50,000–$200,000 per year and continue rising Medicare does not cover long-term care; Medicaid requires asset spend-down Health events can erase decades of savings without proper planning Sequence of Returns Risk Explained Early retirement losses can permanently derail portfolios Market downturns combined with withdrawals accelerate depletion Traditional advisors often overlook this risk Effective Interest Cost and Hidden Debt Mortgages and credit cards carry much higher real costs than advertised rates Effective interest cost reveals how much money truly goes to lenders Eliminating high-interest debt can outperform traditional investments Becoming Your Own Bank Cash-value life insurance allows borrowing while assets continue compounding Loan repayment is flexible and under the policyholder's control Policies can fund education, vehicles, emergencies, and retirement Limitations of 401(k)s and Qualified Plans Fees, taxes, and required minimum distributions reduce net retirement income Taxes are deferred, not eliminated Most investors underestimate future tax exposure Tax-Free Retirement and Legacy Planning Properly structured insurance strategies can deliver tax-free income Policies avoid Social Security taxation and Medicare means testing Assets can transfer across generations more efficiently     Round of Insights Failure that set Alan up for success: Not planning ahead. Failing to prepare for life events led to higher costs and financial strain later. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Alan's YouTube channel and educational resources at StrategicWealthStrategies.com. Book recommended most in the last year: Tax-Free Retirement Solution. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Early mornings, daily workouts, and structured planning to start each day with intention. #1 insight for creating long-term wealth: Learn how insurance products work and what they can truly do.     Next Steps Visit Alan's website and check out his retirement tax calculator Review your current retirement and tax strategy Learn how sequence of returns risk affects your plan Evaluate long-term care exposure and insurance options Explore tax-free income strategies before retirement Get a second opinion on your financial plan     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 don't miss an episode.

    37 min

  3. FEB 3

    Don't Fall for These Scams as an Apartment Investor, Ep. 778

    This week, learn how to protect yourself from scams that quietly destroy returns and credibility in multifamily investing. You'll explore real-world examples involving questionable wholesalers, unethical contractors, property management fraud, tenant scams, and misleading coaching programs, along with practical safeguards you can put in place. The core message is simple: the fastest way to lose money in multifamily isn't market cycles, it's trusting the wrong people.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Focus first on not losing money before trying to maximize returns Learn how to spot red flags when evaluating wholesalers and off-market deals Understand common contractor and subcontractor fraud risks Protect yourself from property management and tenant-related scams Ask better questions before paying for coaching or education     Topics Why Avoiding Scams Matters More Than Chasing Returns Investing success starts with capital preservation Scams exist in every industry, including real estate Sophisticated scammers actively target investors Wholesalers and False Deal Control Difference between legitimate wholesalers and bad actors Red flags like proof-of-funds requests before sharing financials Risks of marketing deals without legal authority or contracts How fake deal control can blow up transactions Contractors and Construction Fraud Distinguishing poor operations from intentional scams Theft through inflated invoices, material misuse, or diverted funds Real-world example of unpaid subcontractors and liens Importance of lien waivers and payment controls Property Management Fraud and Internal Theft Risks when managers have unchecked financial access Examples of missing rent payments and stolen deposits Limiting account access and enforcing approval thresholds Eliminating cash payments to ensure transparency Rental Listing and Tenant Scams Fake listings used to steal security deposits Rent prices that are "too good to be true" Tenant fraud through false employment or income verification Overpayment and bad-check refund schemes Coaching, Mentoring, and Education Red Flags Difference between bad outcomes and actual scams Bait-and-switch seminar tactics Importance of knowing who your coach actually is Evaluating deliverables, experience, and risk mitigation Distinction between mentoring (process-based) and coaching (person-based)     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Next Steps Reach out to John through this form or directly at john@casmoncapital.com  Tighten due diligence around partners, vendors, and deal sources Require contracts, documentation, and lien waivers consistently Eliminate cash handling and increase financial transparency Ask direct questions before investing in coaching or education Surround yourself with experienced, active multifamily investors     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 don't miss an episode.

    40 min

  4. JAN 27

    The #1 Cause of Water Damage in Multifamily (And How to Prevent It) with Phil DePaul, Ep. 777

    Phil DePaul is a home-services entrepreneur and the CEO of Boom Zell Enterprises, which includes United Water Restoration Group of Long Island and 1-Tom-Plumber Long Island. Raised in a blue-collar household with a father who was a plumber, Phil spent more than a decade helping scale a family-owned plumbing wholesale business before leaving to build companies of his own. Today, he focuses on restoration, plumbing, and related services, with a leadership philosophy centered on action, accountability, and restoring people before properties.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Understand why restoration is about restoring people before repairing property Learn how action and momentum matter more than perfect planning in entrepreneurship See why plumbing is the leading cause of water damage in multifamily properties Recognize the importance of proactive vendor relationships for property managers     Topics From Blue-Collar Roots to Entrepreneurship Grew up with a plumber father but pursued a different path early on Spent 14 years helping scale a plumbing wholesale business Hit a ceiling and chose to leave to build something of his own Becoming a "Visionary With No Vision" Entered entrepreneurship without a clear end goal Learned by taking action rather than over-planning Emphasized momentum, adaptability, and execution What Restoration Really Means Restoration addresses sudden, accidental property damage Common causes include water, fire, smoke, and mold Mitigation focuses on reducing damage before it spreads Restoring the Person First Homeowners are often panicked and overwhelmed during a loss Effective restoration starts with empathy and trust The goal is to restore peace of mind before rebuilding property Multifamily Complexity and Stakeholder Management Multifamily losses involve tenants, owners, and property managers Conflicting priorities create tension during emergencies Restoration providers must balance empathy with business realities Why Proactivity Matters in Multifamily Plumbing failures are the leading cause of water damage Preventative maintenance reduces catastrophic losses Strong vendor relationships help property managers respond faster     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Phil up for success: Chasing too many opportunities at once. Phil learned that trying to climb multiple mountains simultaneously slowed progress and reinforced the importance of prioritization and focus. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Audible for audiobooks, Blinkist for condensed book summaries, and Alex Hormozi's business content for practical frameworks. Book recommended most in the last year: 100 Million Dollar Money Models for building scalable businesses, along with Think and Grow Rich for mindset and perspective. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Practicing stillness in the morning, even when it feels uncomfortable, to regain clarity and presence. #1 insight for running multiple businesses: Get one business fully stabilized before launching another, and let it mature before expanding further. Favorite restaurant in Long Island: A local gourmet deli and bagel shop near his home, valued for convenience and quality.     Next Steps Check out Phil's company, BoomZeal Evaluate emergency preparedness plans for your multifamily properties Build proactive relationships with restoration and plumbing partners Review preventative maintenance strategies to reduce water damage risk Prioritize empathy and communication during tenant emergencies     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 don't miss an episode.

    50 min

  5. JAN 20

    How Investors Lose Money in Multifamily, Ep. 776

    In this solo episode, we break down the most common ways investors lose money in apartment investing. And, more importantly, how to avoid them. While multifamily is a powerful wealth-building vehicle, it's not foolproof. We walk through real-world examples from my own portfolio to highlight where deals go wrong, from negative cash flow and over-leverage to bad partners and poor business planning. This episode is a practical guide for investors who want to protect capital, reduce risk, and build durable multifamily portfolios.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Understand how negative cash flow quietly erodes deals over time Learn why conservative underwriting matters more than optimistic projections See how improper insurance coverage can magnify catastrophic losses Recognize how leverage, partners, and market selection impact long-term outcomes     Topics Negative Cash Flow and Poor Underwriting Cash flow equals income minus expenses, debt service, and CapEx Renovations, rising expenses, and miscalculations can quickly create losses Trailing 12-month statements often understate true operating costs Investors must model realistic expenses and conservative income assumptions Catastrophic Events and Insurance Coverage Fires, storms, and other disasters can shut down buildings for months Insurance must cover both property damage and lost business income Understanding deductibles, exclusions, and coverage details is critical Proper insurance makes unavoidable events survivable from a business standpoint Over-Leverage and Loan Risk High loan-to-value ratios reduce flexibility during refinancing or sale Properties that fail to create value can become impossible to exit Conservative leverage (around 65% LTV or lower) preserves options Loans must match the business plan and hold strategy Bad Partners and Weak Teams Poor property managers, contractors, or partners can destroy deals Fraud, negligence, or lack of accountability creates hidden risk Due diligence, references, and checks and balances are essential Quality partners cost more, but reduce long-term losses Market Selection and Long-Term Growth Cash-flow-only markets may lack appreciation Aging properties require reinvestment over time Markets and submarkets must support long-term value growth Cheap properties without upside can become capital traps Over-Improving and Flawed Business Plans Renovations must align with market rent ceilings Over-improving units doesn't guarantee higher returns Class B and C properties have natural rent limits Staying disciplined with budgets and numbers protects returns     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Next Steps Stress-test cash flow assumptions with conservative expense models Review insurance policies to confirm full loss-of-income coverage Reevaluate leverage levels and loan terms before committing capital Vet partners, vendors, and markets with the same rigor as the deal     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 don't miss an episode.

    21 min

  6. JAN 13

    How a First-Time Investor Achieved a 3X Return on His First Multifamily Deal with Yosef Lee, Ep. 775

    Yosef Lee is a full-time litigation attorney based in New York who pivoted into multifamily real estate investing to gain greater control over his time and legacy. Driven by his desire to be more present for his two daughters, Yosef began his investing journey in 2019, joining mastermind communities and building a network from scratch. Since then, he has become a general partner in 17 syndications, participated in 5+ joint ventures, and successfully exited multiple deals—including a 3X equity multiple from his first investment. He now shares his journey to help others take purposeful action, emphasizing relationships, self-education, and long-term vision.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Join the right masterminds and network consistently to accelerate your learning and deal flow. Learn the language of multifamily investing before pitching yourself or underwriting deals. Focus on people first, trustworthy partnerships are more important than proximity in out-of-state investing. Multifamily value-add deals are often won through rent increases, not just renovations. Being honest about where you are in your journey builds authentic trust with your network.     Topics From Legal to Legacy Yosef shares how his role as a litigation attorney conflicted with his values as a father. Realized that financial success wasn't enough without freedom of time, place, and occurrence ("TPO"). Accidental Discovery of Multifamily Found BiggerPockets in 2019 and stumbled into multifamily after exploring other investment options. Chose multifamily for its scalability and team-based structure. First Deal Breakdown: 44 Units in Kansas Partnered with others through a mastermind group to buy off-market. Pushed rents by $150–$200 and executed a cash-out refinance before ultimately selling for 3X returns. The Power of Masterminds and Community Did 200+ Zoom calls in 2020 to build relationships. Contrasts 80% of people who said "don't join" masterminds vs. the 20% who helped him scale. Emphasizes that education is free, but access to the right people is worth paying for. Authentic Branding and Thought Leadership Recalls a 2019 comment from John Casmon that gave him the confidence to start showing up online, even before his first deal. Encourages investors to be real about where they are and build in public.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Yosef up for success: Jumped too quickly into a deal where the seller used their PSA draft to raise the price and sell to another buyer. Learned to vet sellers and protect documents early on. Digital or Mobile Resource: iPhone Notes, Reminders, and Calendar for managing tasks and prioritizing top three items daily. Book Recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Daily Habit: Morning prioritization using reminders and selecting three must-do tasks. #1 Insight for Starting in Multifamily: Focus on E — Education, N — Networking, and A — Action. Know the lingo, meet the right people, and don't delay taking intentional steps forward.     Next Steps Get in touch with Yosef on his website, yosefhlee.com Audit your current community and support system, are you networking with active investors? Evaluate if your time, place, and occurrence are truly under your control. Don't wait to build your platform. Share your story now, honestly and consistently.     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 don't miss an episode.

    53 min

  7. JAN 6

    Real-Time Risk Mitigation for Multifamily with Nadav Schnall, Ep. 774

    Nadav Schnall is the co-founder of ProSentry, a proptech startup focused on real-time risk mitigation for multifamily and commercial buildings. With a decade of experience at First Service Residential as VP of Luxury Properties and New Development, Nadav saw firsthand the operational challenges that property managers face. His venture addresses those pain points through sensor-based monitoring that's already helped prevent thousands of potential insurance claims.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Understand how real-time risk mitigation can lower insurance premiums and prevent property damage Learn the top causes of water-related insurance claims and how they can be proactively addressed Discover how smart sensors and LoRaWAN technology are being applied to multifamily assets Hear how investors can use tech to boost tenant satisfaction and NOI     Topics Why Nadav Started ProSentry Saw repeated property issues in his role at First Service Residential Reconnected with a veteran builder to launch the company Wanted to solve systemic building problems using tech How Risk Mitigation Impacts Insurance Non-weather water damage is among the top insurance claims Sensors help avoid or minimize these issues Lower risk profile = potential savings on premiums or deductibles What ProSentry's Sensors Actually Do Water, gas, temperature, humidity, smoke, vape, and rodent detection Uses LoRaWAN, not Wi-Fi, for stronger building-wide coverage Real-time alerts via app, text, call — including live operator calls Cost and ROI for Investors Approx. $300–$400 per unit installation Ongoing cost: ~$1–$1.50/month per sensor Helps improve tenant experience, reduce damage, and boost NOI Proactive Alternatives and Why They're Not Enough Preventative maintenance is still important But sensors catch things no one can manually inspect Especially helpful for high-turnover or under-staffed buildings     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Nadav up for success: Incorrect sensor placements due to improper floor pitch early on. Led to better tutorials and installation guidance. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Fitness apps. Used for daily 15–20 minute physical activity to start the day with focus. Book recommended most in the last year: The Zig Zag Kid by David Grossman and Betsy Rosenberg. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Morning review of daily priorities and tasks. Flexibility and focus based on operational urgencies. #1 insight for managing multifamily risk: Water damage is the top preventable issue. Staff training and emergency response plans can significantly reduce incidents. Favorite restaurant in New York: Cosme.     Next Steps Evaluate your current risk management and insurance costs Explore LoRaWAN-based sensor technology Contact ProSentry to discuss customized solutions Factor in potential insurance savings when calculating ROI     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 don't miss an episode.

    29 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Passive Investing as a Learning Strategy With Dr. Tudor Francu, Ep. 773

    Dr. Tudor Francu is a Romanian-born anesthesiologist and real estate investor with over 15 years of experience. After immigrating to the U.S. at age 28 and building a successful medical practice, Tudor began investing in real estate—starting with single-family homes before transitioning into multifamily syndications. He has managed 30+ properties, overseen operations on multifamily assets, and now serves as a general partner in large-scale apartment deals. Tudor is the founder of Stellar Multifamily and host of the Stellar Success Podcast.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways: Investing with the right people is more important than the projected returns Being a passive investor first can be a strategic way to learn syndication before becoming a general partner Vertically integrated operators are more likely to succeed than those who outsource key roles Clear, frequent, and transparent communication is the hallmark of a great sponsor Taking action—even imperfectly—is essential for success in real estate     Topics From Romania to Real Estate How Tudor transitioned from anesthesiologist to real estate investor The financial mindset inherited from growing up in a communist country How Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad shaped his investment journey Starting Small, Scaling Smart Why he began with single-family homes What prompted the leap into multifamily How he built comfort through small wins before scaling Passive Investing as a Learning Strategy Tudor's reasons for starting as an LP What he learned from both good and bad operators Why passive investing is crucial for risk-aware growth Becoming a General Partner What it took to make the transition The critical role of transparency and communication A candid story about walking away from a deal days before closing Vertically Integrated Teams Why vertical integration improves success rates The operational advantages of in-house management Lessons from bad deals with third-party vendors Lessons on Leadership and Communication Why leasing agents are the most important people on-site Structuring compensation to align with asset performance What investors should really ask sponsors before committing     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.     Round of Insights Failure that set Tudor up for success: Backing out of a deal days before closing after uncovering unreliable financials; another failure involved a dishonest business partner hiding accounting data. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Social media accounts of credible real estate influencers like Pace Morby; books and interviews by Robert Kiyosaki. Book recommended most in the last year: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Waking up early and following a structured morning routine to set the tone for the day. #1 insight for transitioning into a general partner: Partner with people who are transparent, honest, and communicate well. Success hinges on trust and character. Favorite restaurant in Baltimore, MD: Romilo's.     Next Steps Learn more about Tudor at stellarmultifamily.com Check out the Stellar Success Podcast Follow Tudor on LinkedIn and social media platforms     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 don't miss an episode.

    41 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    John Casmon
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    786
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 John Casmon
  • Show Website
    Multifamily Insights

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