By popular demand, we're bringing back one of AllView 360's most-watched episodes: Nicholas Gould's journey from tech sales to multifamily mogul, which began with an unconventional strategy — 16,000 cold calls in his first year. The CEO of Gould Group Investment Real Estate didn't rely solely on digital marketing to build his Orange County-focused boutique firm. Instead, he combined relentless phone outreach with strategic social media presence to create what he calls "omnipresent" marketing. The conversation reveals the stark realities facing today's multifamily investors. With Orange County households needing nearly $400,000 annually to purchase homes, rental demand remains strong despite economic headwinds. "A lot of people make good money. They just can't afford the down payment," Nick explains. However, new challenges have emerged. Insurance costs have skyrocketed with some carriers fleeing California entirely. Rent control legislation limits annual increases to roughly 8%, creating a two-tier market where stabilized properties command premiums while value-add opportunities require careful analysis. It's easy to see why this one's a listener favorite — Nick's detailed breakdown of cap rate variations across Orange County submarkets provides practical guidance for investors navigating this complex landscape. Nicholas Gould is the CEO and founder of Gould Group Investment Real Estate, a boutique multifamily investment firm based in Orange County. After transitioning from tech sales at Fortune 500 companies, Nick has built his reputation through a unique combination of old-school relationship building and modern marketing strategies. He specializes in helping private capital owners maintain, manage, and sell apartment buildings throughout Orange County's coastal markets including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach. Nick obtained his real estate license at 18 and broker's license by 24, demonstrating his early commitment to the industry despite exploring other career paths first. In This Episode: (00:00) Nicholas Gould, CEO Gould Group - from tech sales to multifamily real estate (03:01) Early success story: 16,000+ cold calls and building relationships (04:32) COVID market entry and coastal Orange County focus (08:08) Social media strategy and omnipresent marketing approach (13:19) Why multifamily investing: housing costs vs rental demand (16:26) Market analysis: different cap rates across OC submarkets (21:28) Insurance challenges and case study insights (29:15) 1031 exchanges and portfolio scaling strategies (32:10) Smart acquisition strategies and due diligence tips (42:00) Property management importance and record keeping (55:42) Investment advice for different budget levels Like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the Show: Hosted by lifelong friends Daniel Gutierrez, an innovative entrepreneur and CEO of AllView Real Estate, and Shannon Dempsey, a seasoned agent with a communications and community relations background, this podcast shares insider insights to help you buy, sell, rent, and invest with confidence. From market trends and ROI-focused upgrades to property management tips and investment strategies, Daniel and Shannon break down complex topics into actionable steps. Along the way, you’ll hear real stories, lessons learned, and expert guidance you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in to Al... Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Guest Introduction(00:01:44) - Nick's Background and Career Path(00:03:50) - Breaking Into Commercial Real Estate During COVID(00:05:51) - Building a Brand: Cold Calls, Social Media and Old School Grit(00:08:27) - Instagram Marketing and Organic Growth(00:09:41) - Generational Anxiety, Books, and Housing Affordability(00:14:15) - Why Multifamily? The Case for Orange County Housing(00:16:24) - Cap Rates, Rent Control, and Risk by Submarket(00:19:04) - Insurance Crisis and Rising Costs for Owners(00:21:15) - 2025 Market Conditions and Seller Challenges(00:24:12) - Cap Rate Breakdown by Neighborhood(00:26:37) - 1031 Exchanges and Portfolio Diversification(00:28:45) - Smart Buying Strategies for New Investors(00:32:08) - Seller Financing and Underwriting Honesty(00:34:17) - Broker's Role: Listings, Marketing, and Negotiation(00:36:28) - Prepping Properties and Tips for Top Dollar(00:38:00) - Importance of Good Property Management(00:41:23) - Tenant Relations and Rent Subsidization Issues(00:44:23) - New Construction Challenges and Zoning Laws(00:45:36) - Cost of Construction and Regulatory Hurdles(00:48:17) - Investment Advice for Different Budgets(00:50:36) - Episode Recap: Market, Legislation, and Acquisition Tips(00:53:03) - Contact Info and Closing Remarks
