Multifamily Insights

Jonathan Feniak is a business attorney and the driving force behind LLCAttorney.com [http://llcattorney.com]. After successful careers in logistics and finance, he became a licensed attorney at 45 to help make legal protection and business formation more accessible to entrepreneurs. Jonathan now helps clients across all 50 states establish LLCs, protect their assets, and structure their businesses efficiently—with a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that deliver real protection.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions]. Key Takeaways * Asset protection begins with proper business formation—but it doesn’t end there. * Many business owners form LLCs but fail to “respect” them by observing corporate formalities, rendering them ineffective in court. * Wyoming is one of the best states to form a holding company due to privacy and strong charging order protection. * Creating a holding company structure helps simplify asset management, estate planning, and liability isolation. * Revocable living trusts are a low-cost way to ensure smooth inheritance without the burden of probate, especially across multiple states.     Topics From Corporate to Counsel: A Third Career Attorney * Jonathan began in logistics (UPS, DHL), then transitioned to finance and wealth management. * At 45, he pursued law full-time to combine strategic advising with legal structure and protection. * His mission is to democratize access to real legal solutions—without the inflated price tag. What Most People Get Wrong About LLCs * Forming an LLC is just step one—maintaining it properly is where most fail. * Respect your LLC by: holding meetings, documenting decisions, separating finances, and keeping the business in good standing. * Improperly managed LLCs are often disregarded by courts, leaving owners personally liable. The Power of Holding Companies * Use a Wyoming LLC as a holding company for privacy, asset protection, and estate efficiency. * Helps shield your name from public documents and reduces the impact of being linked to failed partnerships or lawsuits. * Holding companies simplify asset transfers to heirs and reduce exposure to out-of-state probate. Estate Planning and Life Events * Estate plans should be revisited every five years—or after any major life change (e.g., marriage, children, death, relocation). * A revocable living trust paired with an LLC holding company offers clean transitions for heirs and minimal disruption. * Overcomplicated estate plans often backfire; keep it simple and update as needed. Avoiding Snake Oil and Legal Overkill * Many providers push unnecessary structures—like offshore trusts or layered LLCs—on inexperienced investors. * Jonathan emphasizes reasonable, effective solutions tailored to the investor’s current risk and net worth. * Focus on clear, scalable strategies that grow with your portfolio.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Jonathan up for success: Realizing his unhappiness as a financial advisor led Jonathan to pursue law school and build a business where he thrives today. Digital or mobile resource: Gemini (AI tool) — Helps condense complex legal materials and improve communication clarity, when guided with trusted source inputs. Book recommendation: Not a traditional book reader—Jonathan reads thousands of pages of legal cases, law review articles, and court decisions to stay sharp. Daily habit: Maintains a dedicated workspace at home that acts as his “mental switch” for full focus and productivity. #1 insight for asset protection: Don’t put too many assets in one bucket. Whether structuring LLCs or allocating capital, smaller, diversified exposures reduce risk. Favorite restaurant in Luquillo, Puerto Rico: La Fonda [https://la-fonda-gourmet.res-menu.com/].     Next Steps * Visit LLCAttorney.com [https://llcattorney.com] to explore services and free resources * Use promo code FAMILY50 there to receive 50% off formations or registered agent services * Review your current LLC, asset structure, and estate plan—and don’t wait for a crisis to start planning     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/multifamily-insights/id1269346577], and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Steven Pesavento is a real estate entrepreneur and managing partner of VonFinch Capital. Since 2016, he has completed over 220 real estate transactions, renovated nearly 100 properties, and personally transacted over $200 million in real estate. With a background in consulting and startups, Steven transitioned into multifamily investing to build long-term wealth, scale strategically, and help investors achieve financial freedom through high-performance investments.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions]. Key Takeaways * Steven flipped over 200 houses before pivoting to multifamily for greater scalability and repeatability. * The VonFinch model focuses on building trust at scale, creating long-term investor relationships across asset classes. * Talent retention is core to their strategy, offering team members aligned incentives and upside in each project. * The best multifamily buying opportunities are in the middle market ($5–$25M) where institutional competition is minimal. * Successful investing starts with mindset—embracing both wins and losses as part of a long-term game.     Topics From Flipping to Multifamily * Built a high-volume flipping business but struggled with lack of repeat clients and team turnover. * Realized multifamily investing offered better scale, cash flow, and lasting investor relationships. * Transitioned to commercial deals where trust and strategic partnerships drive long-term success. Building a Wealth Machine Through Relationships * VonFinch Capital focuses on relationship-based investing with aligned goals across team, operators, and investors. * Employees are offered base salaries with profit-sharing incentives to encourage ownership and retention. * Long-term success is about creating win-win environments that scale with aligned interests. Navigating the Current Multifamily Market * Market dislocation has created buying opportunities 30–40% below peak prices in the non-institutional middle market. * VonFinch targets $5–$15M deals overlooked by large institutions but too big for most small investors. * Patience and persistence matter—some of their best deals took 6–12 months to close or required years of relationship-building. Why Now Is Still the Time to Buy * Even with personal portfolio challenges, Steven remains bullish on buying during market dips. * Dollar-cost averaging into real estate is critical—especially for those who bought at the top in 2021–22. * The greatest returns are made in volatile periods when others are fearful. Investor Mindset and Long-Term Thinking * Investing is a game—understand the rules, play strategically, and adapt to change. * Fear of loss often outweighs potential gains, but playing scared leads to missed opportunities. * Steven encourages investors to view losses as feedback and avoid overexposure in any one deal or asset.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Steven up for success: Getting fired from a dream startup job taught him what kind of culture and leadership he wanted to create—VonFinch was born soon after. Digital or mobile resource: The Michel Thomas Method (for learning Spanish) + Duolingo — a powerful combination for language learning and cognitive growth. Book recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill — timeless principles for personal development and wealth creation. Daily habit: Sauna and cold plunge therapy — helps reset the body and clears mental fog for high performance and focus. #1 insight for scaling your team: It’s all about people. Serve them, incentivize them, and create a mission they’re proud to be part of. Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: Izakaya Den [https://izakayaden.net/]      Next Steps * Learn more at VonFinch.com [https://www.vonfinch.com] * Tune into the Investor Mindset [https://investormindset.com/podcast/] podcast for mindset strategies and investment insights * Check out the previous Multifamily Insights episode [https://casmoncapital.com/post/create-a-powerful-mindset-for-investing-with-steven-pesavento-episode-193/] with Steven * Reflect on your investing psychology: are you playing the long game or letting fear win?     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/multifamily-insights/id1269346577], and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Sandhya Seshadri is the founder of Engineered Capital, a firm focused on helping professionals grow their wealth through commercial real estate and alternative investments. With a background in engineering, an MBA in finance, and a successful career in stock trading, she became financially independent before shifting her focus to real estate. Since 2018, Sandhya has been an active multifamily syndicator and passive investor in multiple asset classes including oil & gas and tech funds, bringing her analytical skill set and passion for tax-efficient investing to her growing investor community.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions]. Key Takeaways * Sandhya began investing in stocks but transitioned to real estate for better tax advantages and cash flow. * She started as a passive investor in multifamily before becoming an active general partner. * Rising interest rates reshaped her strategy, leading her to explore oil & gas and technology funds. * Passive investing offers the ability to leverage other people’s expertise while generating income and appreciation. * Asset class diversification and risk tolerance should drive investment decisions, not just projected returns.     Topics From Engineering to Investing * Started in corporate America but pursued investing to achieve financial independence. * Learned to trade stocks and used that income to replace her W-2 job. * Discovered real estate as a tax-advantaged strategy after hitting a tax ceiling with stock gains. Why Multifamily and Syndications * Skipped single-family due to lack of appreciation and headaches from managing tenants and maintenance. * Multifamily appealed due to professional property management, scalability, and the ability to raise capital from investors. * Took the “passenger to pilot” approach—starting as an LP, then a co-GP, and finally a lead GP. Shifting the Strategy: From CRE to Alternatives * Rising interest rates, property taxes, and insurance costs eroded multifamily cash flow. * Pivoted to alternative investments that better suited current market conditions. * Launched tech fund offerings for high-upside, long-term appreciation plays. * Invested in oil & gas deals offering strong tax advantages and predictable cash flow backed by mineral rights. * Carefully vets all deals personally before introducing them to investors. Oil & Gas Investing Explained * Buys into mineral rights after oil is confirmed, reducing drilling risk. * Returns often include 80% year-one depreciation via K-1 and cash flow within 24 months. * No depreciation recapture and potential for 2.5–3x returns over a 7-year period. * Great option for high-income professionals seeking tax relief and diversification. Investor Education and Risk Management * Every asset class has its risks—invest small first, understand the model, and scale gradually. * Focus on understanding the operator, the assumptions behind returns, and aligning with your personal goals. * Diversify across asset types, hold periods, and cash flow profiles.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Sandhya up for success: Tighter margins in recent multifamily deals forced her to become hyper-efficient in asset management and expenses—helping her sharpen operational discipline. Digital or mobile resource: Calendar tools like Calendly—essential for time management and filtering non-essential calls. Book recommendation: Lessons from Top Leaders – a collection of leadership stories from industry experts, including Sandhya’s own chapter. Daily habit: Plans her day each morning by prioritizing what would stress her most if it were left undone—this keeps her focused and calm. #1 insight for investing in alternative assets: Know your risk tolerance and only invest what you’re willing to lose—this applies to every asset class. Favorite restaurant in Dallas, TX: The Fifth [https://thefifthtx.com/]     Next Steps * Connect with Sandhya on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/engineered-capital/] * Learn more about Engineered Capital and current offerings at engineered-capital.com [https://www.engineered-capital.com/] * Check out the previous Multifamily Insights episode [https://casmoncapital.com/post/questions-to-ask-when-evaluating-a-real-estate-deal-with-sandhya-seshadri-ep-536/] with Sandhya * Evaluate your own risk profile and diversify thoughtfully across asset classes     Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/multifamily-insights/id1269346577], and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Cindy Beier is the founder of Emerald Peak Holdings and CNS Management, with over 30 years of experience in real estate—from new construction sales to live-in flips to multifamily investing. After starting as a real estate agent and property manager, Cindy transitioned into syndications where she now raises capital, manages assets, and helps others enter the world of passive investing. She’s also passionate about educating women in real estate and runs local investor meetups to foster community and mentorship.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions]. Key Takeaways * Cindy transitioned from hands-on property management to passive multifamily investing after experiencing the stress of managing single-family rentals. * She began investing as an LP and quickly became a GP by bringing in capital and leveraging her network. * Multifamily syndications offered her better returns and fewer headaches than her actively managed single-family portfolio. * She encourages other agents and non-investors to explore passive investing through syndications. * Mastermind communities played a major role in accelerating her education and confidence as an investor.     Topics From Realtor to Real Estate Investor * Cindy’s journey started after serving in the Air Force and discovering real estate through answering phones at a brokerage. * Became a licensed agent, ran a brokerage, and eventually got inspired by an investor who built wealth one property at a time. * Bought several single-family homes, including a short-term rental, before shifting her focus to multifamily. Why Multifamily and Syndications Made Sense * Tired of managing repairs, maintenance calls, and vendors herself. * Compared her modest cash flow from a condo with the stronger returns from a $25K LP investment in a syndication. * Multifamily provided better returns, scalability, and less day-to-day involvement. How She Became a General Partner * Joined a mastermind group and realized she could raise capital and contribute to larger deals. * Currently an LP and GP in two multifamily properties totaling over 100 units. * Enjoys the freedom and passive income that come with being part of a larger team. Tips for Passive Investors * Vet the operator: make sure they’ve gone full-cycle and have a conservative track record. * Ask the right questions: returns, loan structure, operator investment, and risk mitigation strategies. * Analyze the market: consider economic drivers, employer base, and long-term potential. The Power of Masterminds and Community * Joined multiple groups to learn, network, and grow faster. * Finds value in sharing stories and learning from the mistakes and successes of others. * Believes education, connection, and execution are keys to building wealth in real estate.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Cindy up for success: Bought a couch before a closing that fell through—learned to never spend money until the deal is actually closed. Digital or mobile resource: YouTube University—her go-to for real estate education and even gardening tips. Book recommendation: The 12 Week Year – helps break big goals into achievable short-term plans, giving you a “new year” every quarter. Daily habit: Focusing on family routines and goals helps her stay centered and committed to long-term financial freedom. #1 insight for scaling into multifamily: Skip single-family. Take flip profits or saved capital and go directly into multifamily to scale faster with fewer headaches. Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: Los Dos [https://www.los2potrillos.com/].     Next Steps * Learn more at EmeraldPeakSolutions.com [https://emeraldpeaksolutions.com] * Reach out to Cindy directly at Cindy@CindysPropertySolutions.com     Closing Call to Action Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/multifamily-insights/id1269346577], and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Paul Shannon is a real estate investor, fund manager, and co-host of the PassivePockets podcast. After spending 15 years in medical device sales, Paul transitioned into full-time real estate in 2019. He has acquired over 200 residential units through creative strategies like BRRRR and joint ventures and is an LP in 40+ deals across multifamily, industrial, debt funds, and more. Today, he runs Invest Wise Collective, an opportunistic investment fund focused on delivering diversified returns through both GP and LP positions.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Must Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions]. Key Takeaways * Paul left a successful sales career to pursue real estate full-time after realizing he wanted more purpose, freedom, and control. * He failed as a property manager early on but used that lesson to scale through partnerships and better team delegation. * Invest Wise Collective takes a capital-agnostic, asset-agnostic approach to investing—balancing risk, return, and diversification. * Passive investors should focus on sponsor alignment, risk tolerance, and consistent underwriting inputs over flashy return metrics. * Community and mentorship are essential for new and seasoned LPs alike—there’s power in learning from others’ experiences.     Topics From Medical Sales to Real Estate Freedom * Paul started with single-family rentals and flips, managing properties himself while still in corporate sales. * In 2019, he left his W2 job with a modest portfolio, savings runway, and a desire to build something meaningful. * A pivotal moment came when he outsourced property management and focused on acquisitions, unlocking rapid growth. The Rise of Invest Wise Collective * In 2023, Paul and partners launched a fund to pool capital and invest across asset classes. * The fund focuses on both GP and LP positions, enabling flexible capital deployment based on risk-reward profiles. * Their early strategy emphasized debt positions for income and capital preservation, later pivoting to multifamily as opportunities emerged. Lessons for New Passive Investors * Focus on the sponsor first, then the deal—good operators can rescue average deals; bad ones can ruin great ones. * Underwriting inputs matter more than IRR projections—don’t get seduced by high returns without understanding the assumptions. * Diversify across operators, asset types, and loan maturities to mitigate risks like market timing or interest rate exposure. * Don’t let FOMO drive decisions—there will always be more deals. Be intentional, not reactive. The Power of Community: Passive Pockets * Paul is co-host of Passive Pockets, formerly Left Field Investors, now owned by BiggerPockets. * The platform provides deal reviews, sponsor evaluations, educational content, and LP peer collaboration. * It helps investors go from 100-level beginners to 500-level LPs through shared experience and due diligence transparency.     📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Paul up for success: Realized he was a terrible property manager—which led him to outsource operations and discover the value of the Who Not How mindset. Digital or mobile resource: Slack – an essential tool for team collaboration and staying connected without overwhelming inboxes. Book recommendation: Creature from Jekyll Island – a deep dive into the history of the Federal Reserve and monetary systems that shaped his financial worldview. Daily habit: Early morning workouts to boost energy, mental clarity, and start the day with intention and discipline. #1 insight for passive investing: Don’t fall for FOMO. There will always be more deals—invest when you’re informed and confident. Favorite restaurant in Fortville, IN: FoxGardin [https://www.foxgardin.com/].     Next Steps * Visit PassivePockets.com [https://passivepockets.com] to join the LP community and access exclusive education and deal reviews * Learn more about Paul’s investment strategy at InvestWiseCollective.com [https://investwisecollective.com] * Focus on sponsor alignment, risk-adjusted returns, and long-term diversification in your investing journey     Closing Call to Action Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/multifamily-insights/id1269346577], and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.