Multifamily Insights

Steal This Process to Find the Best Real Estate Market with John Casmon, Ep. 770

This episode features a solo session with John Casmon, where he draws on personal investing experience in markets like Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, and San Antonio to share a deep-dive framework for evaluating which markets to invest in, and how to spot the signs of long-term growth. From understanding economic indicators and infrastructure to aligning your personal investing style with neighborhood dynamics, this episode is packed with strategic guidance on identifying the right market — and the right moment — to make your move. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/]. Key Takeaways * Start by investing in your own backyard, local familiarity and access outweigh national trends early on. * Use "path of progress" logic to spot adjacent neighborhoods with similar fundamentals but lower prices. * Look for population growth, industry diversification, infrastructure investment, and pro-development policies. * Understand your own investing goals to determine what kind of markets and submarkets align with your criteria. * Ride the coattails of developers and large employers, when they commit to a market, opportunity follows. Topics Why Market Selection Matters * Why investing close to home gives you an advantage * How John evaluated neighborhoods like North Center, Avondale, and Hermosa in Chicago Expanding Beyond Your City * Lessons from shifting to Cincinnati and using family ties to anchor new market exploration * The importance of clarity on investor criteria before analyzing new areas What Makes a Market Attractive * Key indicators: population growth, job diversity, geographic accessibility * Red flags: rent control, oversupply, misaligned development Case Studies: Cincinnati, Louisville, San Antonio * The impact of infrastructure and corridor development in Cincinnati * How recession-resistant industries shaped John's decision to invest in Louisville * Why San Antonio's "quiet strength" made it a strategic move Using Public Data to Guide You * Sites John uses: census.gov, bls.gov, datausa.io * How to track local chambers of commerce, development plans, and funding incentives What to Avoid or Watch Closely * Risks of relying on government subsidies or unstable funding * Importance of local political climate and long-term planning by municipalities 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Next Steps * Research your backyard market before expanding elsewhere * Align your criteria (cash flow vs. appreciation, investor type) before evaluating a market * Track macro indicators (population, jobs) and micro conditions (local policy, neighborhood dynamics) 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 don't miss an episode.

How to Track and Cut Apartment Expenses with Chris Wise, Ep. 769

Chris Wise is a Navy veteran, attorney, and founder of Wise Capital—a property technology company focused on upgrading Class C multifamily housing through in-house AI, IoT, and data systems. By combining real estate ownership with smart software development, he's redefining operations and improving tenant experiences across older multifamily assets. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Chris brings a unique blend of military discipline, legal expertise, and tech innovation to the multifamily investing space. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/]. Key Takeaways * How Chris transitioned from Navy to law to real estate * The North Star guiding his career pivots: social impact * Why predictive maintenance is essential in Class C properties * Using IoT and internal tech to reduce costs and extend asset life * Real examples of tracking power and water consumption to prevent failures * How in-house product development helps maintain affordability Topics From the Navy to Real Estate: A Career of Purpose * Chris's path from Navy service to law school and legal practice * How his passion for social impact shaped his professional pivots Solving Problems Through Technology * Founding a software and marketing firm to solve internal inefficiencies * Learning to code and build tools to reduce costs for small businesses The Rise of Wise Capital * How Chris combined real estate and tech to launch Wise Capital * Why Class C properties were the ideal target for smart upgrades IoT and Predictive Maintenance in Action * Identifying failing systems before they break: water, power, HVAC * Using public product data and power consumption to monitor appliances * Replacing $0.10 fuses instead of full appliances Reducing Costs Without Raising Rents * Keeping rent stable by slashing expenses through innovation * Why many "smart" solutions don't make sense financially—and how to build better Vertically Integrated Operations and Property Management * Why Chris keeps property management in-house * Hidden costs in third-party management that eat into NOI Common Missteps in Value-Add Projects * Misplaced renovation priorities (e.g., ignoring plumbing or sinks) * Focus on function, pride of living, and true ROI over cosmetic updates 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Chris up for success: A marketing collapse at his former law firm pushed him to learn coding and product development. Though the failure cost mid six-figures, it laid the foundation for his current proptech innovations. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Time-tracking or auditing tools—anything that helps buy back time, provided it's actually reviewed and used intentionally. Book recommended most in the last year: Buy Back Your Time [https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297X] by Dan Martell. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Wakes up at 4:30 AM to get centered—no screens, focuses on personal health, calendar prep, meditation or prayer before engaging with others. #1 insight for managing your expenses: Track everything down to the penny. Understand your P&L deeply, including the small charges and hidden costs across all line items. Favorite restaurant in Louisville, KY: Kern's Corner [https://www.instagram.com/kernskorner/?hl=en]. Next Steps * To learn more, check out Chris' LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wise-wisecapital/]. * Audit your expenses before chasing higher rents * Explore internal data solutions before investing in overpriced sensors * Re-evaluate your property management structure for hidden fees * Focus on functional, meaningful upgrades—not just cosmetic ones 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 don't miss an episode.

His $1.5M Apartment Renovation Blew Up to $3M — Here's How He Survived It, with Joe Rinderknect, Ep. 768

Joe Rinderknecht is the founder of Upgrade Partners Capital and Cowboy Capital, a real estate investment firm specializing in acquiring and operating value-add multifamily properties. With deep roots in ranching and a background in construction, Joe brings a hands-on approach to real estate, backed by years of entrepreneurial experience. His journey from working blue-collar jobs to managing complex multifamily assets reflects his drive to create generational wealth and live intentionally. In the past year alone, Joe and his partner Levi have closed on 419 units across several states—all while keeping family and values at the center of their mission. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/]. Key Takeaways * Learn why having a strong partnership can unlock rapid portfolio growth * Understand how hands-on experience helps overcome construction challenges * Discover the importance of aligning business strategy with personal values * Get practical advice for vetting contractors and managing budgets * Hear how transparent communication saved a struggling project Topics Joe's Ranching Roots and Entry Into Real Estate * How Joe's upbringing on a ranch and construction background shaped his work ethic * Transitioning from manual labor to entrepreneurship and finance Hands-On Multifamily Management * Lessons from managing an 80-unit property with high vacancy and crime * Building operational skills through property management and acquisitions The $3M Renovation Journey * What went wrong on a 1951 property rehab—and what saved it * Learning to navigate capital calls and manage contractor relationships Lessons in Construction Oversight * Why multiple contractor bids are essential * Realizing cheaper isn't better when scaling projects Building a Powerful Partnership * How Joe found a long-term partner after multiple failed ones * Dividing responsibilities and scaling with aligned values Family First, Empire Later * Why Joe and his partner are intentionally staying lean * Long-term vision to build a bigger business after their kids are older 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Joe up for success: Under-communicating with investors during a major renovation project. The experience taught him the importance of having difficult conversations early, which ultimately strengthened his investor relationships and led to repeat capital commitments. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Podcasts (especially for cutting down learning curves), including Multifamily Insights. Book recommended most in the last year: Best in Class [https://www.amazon.com/Best-Class-Multifamily-Mistakes-through/dp/1544520891] by Gary Lipsky Daily habit that keeps him focused: Every night, Joe shares his daily wins and top three tasks for the next day with a coach to stay accountable. #1 insight for overcoming obstacles: Action cures anxiety. Make decisions quickly and move forward—inaction only makes problems worse. Favorite restaurant in Idaho: Red Net Sushi (a go-to spot for Joe, who loves sushi). Next Steps * E-mail Joe at joe@cowboycapital.us [joe@cowboycapital.us] * Check out Joe's website, cowboycapital.us [http://cowboycapital.us] 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 don't miss an episode.

Stop Relying on Spreadsheets to Underwrite, Ep. 767

In this week's solo episode, John Casmon steps away from guest interviews to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in multifamily investing: underwriting. After speaking at the Big Deal Summit in Columbus, John shares the real-world framework he uses to analyze deals—not just in spreadsheets, but in practice. From setting clear investment criteria to identifying operational inefficiencies, John walks through how successful investors combine vision, market insight, and execution to drive lasting results. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/]. Key Takeaways * Underwriting isn't about the spreadsheet—it's about the vision, people, and execution * Always define your buy box and end goals before analyzing numbers * Focus on markets with both macro strength and micro-level renter desirability * Investors don't pay premiums for plumbing or electric—focus on visible value * Operational inefficiencies are gold if you know how to identify and fix them * Don't assume you can operate better than a seasoned owner without proof * Stress test your assumptions: What happens if the plan breaks? Topics The Real Goal of Underwriting * Spreadsheets don't reflect operations—real estate is about people, not numbers * Get clarity on what kind of asset and community you're trying to build Defining Your Buy Box * Understand your own criteria before chasing ROI or IRR * Why Cincinnati and surrounding markets meet John's standards for long-term growth Macro and Micro Market Selection * How renter desirability shapes submarket selection * Population growth ≠ renter demand—context matters Value-Add the Right Way * Tenants won't pay more for new pipes—focus on kitchens, lighting, appliances * Target properties with updated mechanicals so your upgrades actually add value Operational Inefficiencies to Look For * Low occupancy, slow turn times, bloated expenses, and misaligned staffing * Why seasoned operators aren't always "mismanaging"—stay humble Creating vs. Assuming Value * Ask questions before opening a spreadsheet—what is the business plan? * Don't guess your way through the numbers; know what levers create value Stress Testing the Deal * Underwrite break-even points and failure scenarios * Real story: How one business plan unraveled when resident profiles clashed Final Thoughts on Strategy * Vision before budget—start with what you want to create * IRR matters, but timing and exit assumptions often fail * Know your buyer—plan your renovations around future investor demand 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Next Steps * Join John's investor community at casmoncapital.com [https://casmoncapital.com] * Download the free guide: 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/] * Revisit your underwriting process using John's value-first framework 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 don't miss an episode.

Ask These Questions When Vetting Deals with Nitzan Mosery, Ep. 766

Nitzan Mosery is a serial entrepreneur, coach, investor, and host of the Traveling Investor [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-traveling-investor/id1463406673] radio show. With decades of experience across diverse industries—including renovation, hospitality, and jewelry—Nitzan eventually found his calling in multifamily real estate. Through firsthand trial and error, he built a powerful investing career focused on passive income, team scalability, and creative financing strategies. Nitzan is the founder of Multifamily Empire and teaches others how to build long-term wealth through value-add multifamily assets in emerging U.S. markets. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here [https://casmoncapital.com/7questions/]. Key Takeaways * Always verify tenant quality, market conditions, and neighborhood dynamics before acquisition * Don't fall in love with the property, fall in love with the numbers * Build systems and hire around your own zone of genius to scale effectively * Trust is built by consistent visibility, social proof, and delivering real hands-on performance * Capital raising only works if you've invested time building authentic investor relationships Topics From Restoration to Rentals * How Nitzan transitioned from flipping houses and restoration to multifamily rentals * The cash limitation problem that pushed him toward syndication and scaling Hard-Earned Lessons from Early Deals * His early duplex in Chicago and fourplex in West Palm, and what went wrong * Why failing to verify tenants, management, and neighborhoods cost him What Passive Investors Really Care About * How he used mistakes to refine screening, team-building, and due diligence * The red flags with PMs who own local units, and how to ask smarter vetting questions Demographics, Market Research, and Value-Add That Actually Works * Why Nitzan relies on a dedicated demographer to track population flows * How his team validates value-add returns by examining proven rent comps Raising Capital with Intent * Why "money will come if the deal is good" is only half true * Why educating and nurturing your network before a deal is critical to raising capital Positioning Yourself for Institutional or Family Office Capital * The exact conversation that unlocked a relationship with a family office * Why showing up consistently (online and in-person) builds trust over time 📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here [https://casmoncapital.com/coaching/]. Round of Insights Failure that set Nitzan up for success: The duplex and fourplex deals early in his career. He broke even but learned key lessons on market due diligence, tenant screening, and vetting teams. Digital or mobile resource recommended: Opus Clip [https://www.opus.pro/] (for content creation), ChatGPT [https://chatgpt.com/] (for caption writing), GoHighLevel [https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&pf=1&ai=DChsSEwi2gce8__iQAxUtOgYAHToRNWwYACICCAEQABoCd3M&co=1&ase=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiArOvIBhDLARIsAPwJXOYXW4f_4gfopKVbig7Bdq_UnOwBNeiFPkmXjUJFETYQohXMdskqI4gaAtV_EALw_wcB&cid=CAASugHkaHvY44XMXvJPknw1HPpiVYPAC7_iGI-cxm6cQBawXlW-oUx-w-goR0kV7qj-6jDIoX786yw-T1W-NB6KCk5xqM_kpbYNgpiGUTyw6OGHPj2nbILoIN2rMUf9hdyZixiAg9bxYK58OuBFl13PBNrRrnTRL3oYYZjuyquo24qcCaoS71IAQPB-ygkL9blWICKtMyK6SaZen0lLufEApbte5T8PbAftekvi1XzF4NxoINWFrIH-MqBNv_c&cce=2&category=acrcp_v1_32&sig=AOD64_1ZHnXMhrtH3m_pb2Ui18MyjYjJHw&q&nis=4&adurl=https://www.gohighlevel.com/14-day-trial-home/?fp_ref%3Dthemaster%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D22579361226%26gbraid%3D0AAAAApgLgB2rdr9uS8t4d7JtztgJZjqGX%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiArOvIBhDLARIsAPwJXOYXW4f_4gfopKVbig7Bdq_UnOwBNeiFPkmXjUJFETYQohXMdskqI4gaAtV_EALw_wcB&ved=2ahUKEwjr7b-8__iQAxXDg_0HHfaqAekQ0Qx6BAgTEAE] (for automation), and Audible [https://www.audible.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopcOm6OhMv2iSGFQilxktn7vG3dtJtvtebosv9rOprZ3OTPQttt] (to read and listen simultaneously). Book recommended most in the last year: Flip the Script [https://www.amazon.com/Flip-Script-Getting-People-Think/dp/052553394X] and Pitch Anything [https://www.amazon.com/Pitch-Anything-Innovative-Presenting-Persuading/dp/0071752854] by Oren Klaff. Daily habit that keeps him focused: Nightly task review and scheduling. In the morning, he practices silent breathing meditation and begins his day with intention. #1 insight for scaling a multifamily portfolio: Use other people's money, time, skill sets, and track records. Build your team around complementary zones of genius, success is a team sport. Favorite restaurant in Florida: Boca Grill [https://www.kosherbocagrill.com/]. Next Steps * Follow Nitzan at MultifamilyEmpire.com [https://multifamilyempire.com] * Try his 55-question "Multifamily Money Maker Role" assessment [https://multifamilyinc.com/assessment] * Join his free Skool community: Multifamily Moneymakers [https://www.skool.com/multifamily-accelerator-4879/about] * Download our 35 Hacks to Find the Best Submarkets [https://casmoncapital.com/best-submarkets/] guide 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 don't miss an episode.