The Multifamily Wealth Podcast

Axel Ragnarsson
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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.

  1. #310: Growing From a Duplex to 900+ Units and Bringing Management In-House (And The Challenges of Doing So) with Lee Yoder

    4D AGO

    #310: Growing From a Duplex to 900+ Units and Bringing Management In-House (And The Challenges of Doing So) with Lee Yoder

    Axel sits down once again with Lee Yoder, founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing, to unpack the full journey of scaling from a single duplex to 900+ multifamily units and the hard lessons learned along the way. Lee walks through how he gradually built his portfolio, why he ultimately decided to bring property management in-house, and the unexpected challenges that came with making that transition. He shares what worked, what didn’t, and the mistakes he would avoid if he were starting over today. The conversation then dives deep into team building, operational systems, cash flow discipline, and why in-house management isn’t a shortcut but a long-term strategic decision that requires patience, capital, and leadership. This is an honest, tactical discussion for operators considering vertical integration or looking to improve execution as they scale. Join us as we dive into: How Lee scaled from a duplex to 900+ units over timeWhy he chose to bring property management in-houseThe biggest operational and leadership challenges of vertical integrationThe true costs, financial and emotional of running your own PM companyHow in-house management changes decision-making and accountabilityWhat Lee would do differently if he were starting again today 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners Connect with Lee: Connect with him on Linkedin Learn more about Threefold Real Estate Investing

    48 min
  2. #309: Optimizing Lease Terms, Actionable Budgeting, The True Cost of Turnover, and Becoming A Better Asset Manager with Stacey Hampton

    DEC 16

    #309: Optimizing Lease Terms, Actionable Budgeting, The True Cost of Turnover, and Becoming A Better Asset Manager with Stacey Hampton

    Axel welcomes back Stacey Hampton, founder of Asset NOI Consulting, for a highly tactical conversation focused on improving multifamily operations in today’s challenging environment. Stacey breaks down how asset managers can move beyond surface-level KPIs and start focusing on the metrics that actually drive performance. She explains how to turn annual budgets into actionable operating plans, how to think strategically about lease expirations throughout the year, and why understanding the true cost of turnover fundamentally changes decision-making. The conversation also dives deep into renewal strategy, retention timing, workforce housing dynamics, and why optimizing for cash flow, not just rent growth is critical for long-term operators. This episode is a must-listen for owners, asset managers, and operators who want to tighten operations, protect NOI, and make better data-driven decisions. Join us as we dive into: The difference between asset management strategy vs. property management executionHow to convert a budget into a clear, measurable action planWhy landing Q1 is critical to hitting annual NOI targetsHow to intentionally manage lease expirations across the calendar yearThe real, fully-loaded cost of a unit turnoverWhy retention and occupancy are often more powerful than rent growthTools and AI resources Stacey is using to stay ahead of operational trends 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners Connect with Stacey: Connect with him on Linkedin

    52 min
  3. #308: The Tactical Guide For Sponsors Looking To Raise Their First $1M, $5M, and $10M in Investor Capital

    DEC 9

    #308: The Tactical Guide For Sponsors Looking To Raise Their First $1M, $5M, and $10M in Investor Capital

    In this solo episode, we share an extremely tactical, milestone-based roadmap for sponsors who want to raise their first $1M, $5M, and eventually $10M+ in investor capital. Axel explains why each stage requires a completely different set of activities, why brute-force outreach is the only reliable way to raise your first seven figures, and how inbound marketing, email lists, social content, referrals, and track record compounding begin to take over once your investor base matures. This episode is a hands-on playbook for anyone planning to raise capital in 2026, from brand-new sponsors raising for their first deal to experienced operators looking to scale more intentionally. Join us as we dive into: Why raising your first $1M is 100% outbound, brute-force communicationThe experience you must have before raising a single investor dollarExactly what activities sponsors should focus on at the $1M → $5M stageThe content, email, and marketing systems required to attract scalable inbound leadsWhy referrals and repeat investors become the engine behind raising $5M → $10M+How to set process-based goals to grow your capital-raising machine in 2026 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

    16 min
  4. #307: An Insanely Tactical Deep Dive Into How Multifamily Investors Can Leverage AI To Grow Their Businesses with Jake Heller

    DEC 2

    #307: An Insanely Tactical Deep Dive Into How Multifamily Investors Can Leverage AI To Grow Their Businesses with Jake Heller

    Axel sits down with Jake Heller, co-founder of the AI for CRE Collective, for one of the most tactical and implementation-focused conversations ever released on the Multifamily Wealth Podcast. This is a killer episode in how multifamily investors can begin adopting AI today to streamline underwriting, automate repetitive tasks, speed up market research, build better investor materials, and dramatically increase operational output without hiring additional staff. Jake breaks down the exact tools he uses, the automations he’s built, and why AI isn’t replacing real estate professionals, but multiplying their capabilities. If you’re using AI at a bare-bones level (or barely using it at all), this episode walks you step-by-step through where to start and how to integrate AI into your business in a real and meaningful way. Join us as we dive into: Why “AI replacing people” is a misconception—and how it actually amplifies investor productivitySpecific tools multifamily investors should adopt (Gamma, Claude, Grok, Relay, Index/Shortcut, NotebookLM, etc.)How to use AI to automatically: Underwrite deals, pull rent comps and sales comps, create investor decks; summarize calls, emails, and market data and more!How to use AI note-takers, workflow automators, and email-based agentsHow to consolidate your historical data so AI tools can actually learn your voice and processWhat “digital twins” are—and how Jake uses them to simulate the decision-making frameworks of leaders like Stuart MillerWhy the investors who adopt AI today will dramatically outpace those who wait 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners Connect with Jake: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Learn more about AI for CRE Collective

    43 min
  5. #306: Sharing Tactical Tips for Multifamily Investors Who Want To Make More Creative Offers When Pursuing Deals

    NOV 25

    #306: Sharing Tactical Tips for Multifamily Investors Who Want To Make More Creative Offers When Pursuing Deals

    In this tactical episode, Axel shares specific, actionable strategies multifamily buyers can use to structure more creative and compelling offers, especially in today’s buyer-leaning market. He breaks down how to think beyond “price and timelines” and instead use deal structure, seller collaboration, lender creativity, and strategic concessions to win more deals, reduce cash requirements, and speed up your business plan. Whether you’re pursuing value-add properties, working with mom-and-pop sellers, or navigating tight constraints with lenders, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can immediately apply to your own acquisitions. Join us as we dive into: Why now is the best time to get more creative with your offersHow to negotiate with lenders using interest escrows and earn-outsHow to collaborate with sellers to accelerate your business planWays to incentivize sellers to deliver vacant units, handle repairs, or secure renewalsHow staggered closing dates can benefit both the buyer and sellerHow to structure seller financing, tiered interest, and seller credits to reduce cash needed at closing 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

    20 min
  6. #305: Bringing Back Our Very First Guest... Bootstrapping a PM Company and Leveraging Professional REI Experience with Chris Grenzig

    NOV 18

    #305: Bringing Back Our Very First Guest... Bootstrapping a PM Company and Leveraging Professional REI Experience with Chris Grenzig

    In Episode, Axel welcomes back the very first guest ever featured on the Multifamily Wealth Podcast — Chris Grenzig, founder of JAG Capital and JAG Property Management. Chris shares his story of bootstrapping a property management company from scratch, why he intentionally started small, and how he built out systems, and a service model that actually works for investors. He also discusses how his background in institutional asset management shaped the way he approaches underwriting, operations, team structure, and investor communication. This episode dives into the realities of building a PM company the hard way — from taking on the first dozen units, hiring slowly and deliberately, and not taking short cuts. Whether you're a small operator thinking about bringing PM in-house, or a growing GP looking to improve your operations, Chris’s insights on structure, staffing, and cost discipline are highly tactical and immediately useful. Join us as we dive into: Why Chris decided to build a property management company from scratchHow he scaled from a handful of units to a real operational teamThe biggest lessons learned from institutional real estateHow to think about headcount, roles, and responsibilities in PMWhy small operators often underestimate the true cost of PMThe systems JAG built to improve communication, transitions, and service qualityThe most common mistakes GPs make when evaluating PM companies 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners Connect with Chris: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about JAG Capital Partners

    53 min
  7. #304: Sharing 5 Extremely Actionable (and Valuable) Leasing Tips for Multifamily Operators Looking To Maximize NOI

    NOV 11

    #304: Sharing 5 Extremely Actionable (and Valuable) Leasing Tips for Multifamily Operators Looking To Maximize NOI

    Axel shares five practical leasing strategies that every multifamily operator can implement to reduce vacancy, maximize rent roll, and ultimately increase NOI. These are simple, high-impact tactics that work whether you self-manage, run an in-house property management team, or work with a third-party manager. Axel also breaks down how to use staggered lease terms to avoid bad leasing cycles, how and why to incentivize referrals, how to drive more online reviews, and how to structure concessions for both new leases and renewals in a way that increases retention without damaging your long-term rent roll. Take note of the tips in this episode and apply the ones that fit your multifamily operations. Join us as we dive into: How to use staggered lease terms to avoid costly seasonal vacancyA simple resident referral incentive that increases leasing traffic and retentionThe most effective moments to ask for (and reward) reviewsHow to offer concessions strategically to drive faster lease conversionsHow to boost renewal rates using longer-term renewals paired with one-time credits 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

    15 min
  8. #303: Discussing The Fundamentals Of Excellent Asset Management and De-Commoditizing Yourself as a GP with John Makarewicz

    NOV 4

    #303: Discussing The Fundamentals Of Excellent Asset Management and De-Commoditizing Yourself as a GP with John Makarewicz

    In this episode, Axel Ragnarsson is joined by John Makarewicz, President and Head of Operations at Faris Capital Partners, to discuss how sponsors can stand out in a crowded multifamily space and the systems that drive excellent asset management. John shares his journey from scaling one of the largest residential brokerages in the Southeast to building Faris Capital Partners, a firm focused on world-class investor and resident experiences. He explains how they differentiate themselves from other general partners through transparency, communication, and disciplined asset management practices. John unpacks the philosophies and operational processes that have shaped his firm’s growth. He also explains the importance of being on-site (post-acquisition) from day one, building trust with residents, and adding value before asking for anything in return. This conversation is packed with practical insights for operators, investors, and anyone looking to raise the bar in multifamily execution. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to de-commoditize yourself as a GP through world-class communication and transparencyWhy being on-site and listening to residents can help you out in the long-termThe structure of a strong asset management process with third-party PMsHow to align incentives across teams to improve NOI and performance 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. NH Multifamily Fund III Details: Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III Connect with John: Connect with him on LinkedIn Learn more about Faris Capital Partners Check out Full out Investing Connect with Axel: Follow him on Instagram Connect with him on Linkedin Subscribe to our YouTube channel Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

    53 min
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5
out of 5
305 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Axel Ragnarsson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Multifamily Wealth Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Multifamily Wealth Podcast

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