In this episode of Paging Financial Freedom, Dr. Daniel Shin, a surgeon and real estate investor, and Lila Kaplan, a former Wall Street professional and certified financial planner, sit down with Javi Beza, co-founder of Higher Ground Investment Group, to break down the full life cycle of a multifamily real estate deal—from sourcing and underwriting properties to asset management and eventual exit strategies. Javi shares his journey from running his family’s construction equipment business into multifamily investing, how he partnered with his longtime friend Teddy Moulman to launch Higher Ground Investment Group, and why operations, systems and accountability are critical to scaling successful apartment investments. The conversation dives into how operators find deals in competitive markets, why underwriting discipline matters more than ever and how building strong broker relationships helped Higher Ground enter markets like Des Moines, Iowa. Daniel, Lila and Javi also discuss the realities of closing large apartment deals, including due diligence, financing, capital raising and coordinating contractors and property management teams after acquisition. Additionally, they explore common operational mistakes that hurt profitability, why property managers must think like business operators and how successful multifamily investing requires constant oversight and adaptability. Key Takeaways: 04:10 – Javi explains why residential real estate wasn’t the right fit for him and how he transitioned into multifamily investing. 07:27 – The importance of accurate reporting, analytics, and keeping property managers accountable in asset management. 09:24 – How Higher Ground approaches acquisitions in today’s multifamily market and why underwriting discipline is critical. 15:07 – How new operators can build broker relationships and establish credibility when entering a market. 17:04 – A breakdown of the 90-day closing process, including due diligence, financing, and raising investor capital. 20:28 – What happens after closing a deal and how operators execute value-add renovation plans. 29:25 – How operators decide when to sell a property and why flexibility is important throughout a deal’s life cycle. 30:24 – Javi explains LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties and how affordable housing investments work. Daniel, Lila, and Javi emphasize that multifamily investing is far more than simply buying apartment buildings; it also requires strong operational systems, disciplined underwriting and active asset management to execute successfully. They highlight that successful syndication operators must remain deeply involved in every stage of the process, from acquisitions to renovations to property oversight, while continuously adapting to changing market conditions. For passive investors, partnering with experienced operators who prioritize transparency, accountability and execution can create long-term opportunities for cash flow, appreciation and financial freedom. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Paging Financial Freedom Podcast on SpotifyPaging Financial Freedom Podcast on Apple PodcastsLearn more about Dr. Daniel Shin’s Real Estate Fund: CereusRealEstate.comLearn more about Lila Kaplan’s Real Estate Investment Management Company
