Kylan Yarbrough began his journey in multifamily real estate at just 17 years old. By 19, he had already advanced to regional property manager, and today he brings an owner-operator mindset to his 195 multifamily units. With a background rooted in ground-level operations and a passion for improving communities, Kylan is also developing property management software to bridge the communication gap between owners and operators.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• How starting as a porter gave Kylan deep insight into every layer of multifamily operations

• Why owner-mindset thinking from day one accelerated his growth

• Common disconnects between owners and property management teams

• The importance of training and internal growth within property management companies

• How his new software aims to proactively flag performance issues before they become major problems

From Porter to Owner

• Kylan started in property management as a porter, cleaning and handling on-site tasks

• He quickly moved through roles by intentionally learning every position and system

• His approach was always guided by an owner’s mindset, even in junior roles

Owner vs. Property Manager Mindsets

• Many PMs lack ownership-level insight into KPIs, NOI, and long-term strategy

• Owners can benefit from ensuring their managers are trained to think like operators

• Proper onboarding and ongoing education within PM companies reduces turnover and improves resident experience

Building a Property Management Software

• Kylan is developing a tool focused on owner alerts, resolution pathways, and red flags

• The platform bridges the gap between raw data and actionable, ownership-specific insights

• It includes engagement scoring and automation to improve communication and oversight

Improving Team and Tenant Retention

• High staff turnover damages resident trust and community stability

• Owners should evaluate management companies based on their support structures for staff development

• Aligning incentives and visibility helps everyone perform with clarity and purpose

📢 Announcement: Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Kylan up for success: Getting fired from a PM job for trying to underwrite a deal as a potential buyer motivated Kylan to fully transition to ownership, ultimately connecting him with key mentors.

Digital or mobile resource: Crexi – great for scanning deals quickly and connecting with brokers.

Book recommendation: Rich Dad Poor Dad – opened his eyes to financial expansion and real estate investing.

Daily habit that helps stay focused: Showing up consistently, even without motivation—plus micro workouts to reset energy.

#1 Insight for being an owner-operator: Have fun, stay growth-focused, and build genuine communities—not just portfolios.

Favorite restaurant in Dallas, TX: Shell Shack.

• Connect with Kylan via Instagram: @kylanmultikeys

• Email: [email protected]

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Stephen Predmore is the founder and managing partner of Talbott Investments. A former engineer with over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Stephen transitioned into real estate after a sudden layoff. Since then, he’s grown from single-family investor to general partner in multifamily, specializing in JV structures and educating engineers on passive investing strategies.

Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Getting laid off inspired Stephen to shift from engineering to real estate investing.

• Initial investments in high-cash-flow rentals revealed the operational challenges of managing tenants and maintenance.

• Transitioning to passive investing provided stronger returns with less stress and time commitment.

• JV deals allow Stephen to combine the benefits of active and passive investing with small groups and creative value-add strategies.

• Engineers often underestimate the time burden of active real estate and over-rely on spreadsheets instead of evaluating lifestyle impact.

From Layoff to Landlord

• How a sudden post–Super Bowl layoff catalyzed Stephen’s investing journey.

• Lessons learned from early Baltimore rental properties, including eviction challenges and Section 8 issues.

The Case for Passive Investing

• LP investing offers more stability and better returns than small-scale rentals.

• Passive deals free up time while enabling continued W-2 work or other ventures.

• Stephen highlights how his handyman side hustle now fuels his passive portfolio.

JV Deals and Strategic Value-Adds

• Recent acquisitions in West Virginia and Alaska with JV partners.

• Boosting NOI with storage unit additions, washer/dryer installations, and electrical upgrades.

• Investing in red states with favorable landlord laws.

Engineering the Passive Path

• Why professionals—especially engineers—should consider passive syndication investments.

• Real estate isn’t always passive: time cost, emotional stress, and operational friction are often overlooked.

Common Missteps of First-Time Investors

• Underestimating time and headspace costs.

• Taking court battles personally instead of hiring help.

• Forgetting that return on time is just as important as return on capital.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Stephen up for success: Early struggles managing rentals in Baltimore—evictions, repairs, and stress—led to a smarter pivot to multifamily investing.

Digital/Mobile Resource: Canva — essential for creating content quickly and easily, especially on the go.

Book Recommendation: Who Not How — reading it twice helped him delegate, hire VAs, and focus on high-value tasks.

Daily Habit: Works every weekday after his W-2 job, either going to the gym or working a handyman job to generate capital for investing.

#1 Insight for Scaling into Multifamily: Surround yourself with like-minded people—mentors, coaches, and communities normalize the journey and accelerate growth.

Favorite restaurant in Baltimore, MD: Pappas Restaurant.

• Learn more at talbottinvestments.com/engineer-12-reasons, where Stephen offers a free guide tailored for engineers exploring passive investing.

• Follow Stephen on LinkedIn to explore his writings and connect with his network.

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Gian Pazzia is a seasoned cost segregation expert and structural engineer who has spent over 25 years helping real estate investors unlock powerful tax strategies. As a former engineer at Arthur Andersen and current leader at costsegregation.com and KBKG, Gian has worked with everyone from small landlords to major casinos and Fortune 500 companies to help them accelerate depreciation and reduce their tax burdens.

Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Cost segregation allows investors to accelerate depreciation and unlock large tax deductions—sometimes up to 25% of the property’s value in year one.

• Bonus depreciation is currently at 40% but may return to 100% in 2025 with bipartisan support.

• Software-based cost segregation now makes it accessible for small residential investors at a fraction of traditional costs.

• Strategic timing of sales and 1031 exchanges is key to avoiding tax recapture issues.

• Estate planning considerations can influence whether and when to use cost segregation.

Understanding Cost Segregation

• How accelerated depreciation breaks down building components into shorter tax lifespans.

• Common items eligible for faster write-offs include appliances, vinyl flooring, wiring, and driveways.

Bonus Depreciation and Legislative Changes

• History of bonus depreciation and the anticipated 2025 revival to 100%.

• How changing percentages (e.g., 60% to 40%) affect timing strategies for investors.

Cost Seg for Small Investors

• Introduction of software at costsegregation.com for properties with six units or fewer.

• Investors can complete a study in under 15 minutes for about $500.

1031 Exchanges and Depreciation Recapture

• Misconceptions around available depreciation post-1031 exchange.

• Case study examples of how remaining basis affects new depreciation schedules.

Estate Planning Implications

• Why it’s smart to use cost seg now if you expect a step-up in basis later.

• Untapped depreciation is lost if unused before the estate passes.

Common Mistakes in Cost Seg

• Failing to account for recapture when flipping in under 3 years.

• Not verifying provider credentials—look for certified cost segregation professionals.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Gian up for success: Getting complacent during early success, now stays focused on innovation and competition, especially with tech advancements.

Digital/Mobile Resource: ChatGPT — now used internally with integrations across SharePoint and Outlook.

Book Recommendation: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni — great for building leadership teams and partnerships.

Daily Habit: Maintains handwritten lists and reprioritizes regularly to stay focused on daily execution.

#1 Insight for getting a cost segregation analysis: Use credentialed professionals—look for a CCSP designation from the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals.

Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, CA: A Chicago-style hot dog spot, honoring Gian’s love for his old hometown’s iconic food.

• Visit costsegregation.com to explore Gian’s software tool.

• Use promo code INSIGHTS2025 for 10% off your first study.

• Connect with Gian on LinkedIn to follow his updates and industry insights.

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Nic McGrue is the founder of Polymath Legal PC, a boutique law firm focused on helping real estate investors lawfully raise capital through syndications. With over a decade of experience and licenses in California and Washington, Nic specializes in securities law and real estate partnerships. He’s also a tenured business law professor who brings both legal and practical insight to every client, helping them raise money legally while protecting themselves and their investors.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• If you’re raising capital from passive investors, you’re selling securities—understanding exemptions like Reg D (506b/506c) is critical.

• Regulation D allows unlimited capital raising and is more practical and economical than Reg A or going public.

• The PPM (Private Placement Memorandum) isn’t just for disclosure—it’s also legal protection for both syndicators and investors.

• Disclose every risk that could impact a deal—even if it sounds scary. Transparency builds trust and legal protection.

• When things go wrong, consistent communication with investors can reduce legal risks and preserve relationships.

How to Legally Raise Capital for Real Estate

• Most syndicators use Regulation D exemptions to avoid the complexity of going public.

• Reg D has two primary options: 506(c) for accredited investors with general solicitation, and 506(b) for known investors including up to 35 sophisticated but unaccredited individuals.

• Knowing which exemption to use depends on your network, capital goals, and communication strategy.

Understanding the PPM and Why It Matters

• The PPM outlines who you are, what the deal is, and what could go wrong.

• Disclosing all risks protects the issuer—lack of disclosure can trigger SEC scrutiny and lawsuits.

• If the document sounds “too safe,” that’s a red flag. A realistic PPM should include worst-case scenarios.

What to Do When a Deal Goes Sideways

• Communicate early and often. Most lawsuits stem from silence—not poor performance.

• Call investors before sending bad news in writing. Set expectations before outcomes shift.

• When necessary, hire litigation counsel, but don’t wait to start investor conversations.

Best Practices for Operator Partnerships

• Vet your potential partners: are they filling a true strategic role or just a task you could outsource?

• Build detailed operating agreements like prenuptial contracts—define roles, expectations, equity, and exit plans.

• Align on contributions, decision-making, and conflict resolution before launching your business together.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Nic up for success: After graduating law school in 2009, Nic lost a job offer due to the recession. That setback led him to launch his firm earlier than expected—an unplanned move that shaped his current success.

Digital or mobile resource: Notion – Used to track daily to-dos, long-term goals, team communication, and even household systems.

Book recommendation: Limitless by Jim Kwik – A foundational read on breaking mental barriers and unleashing your full potential.

Daily habit: Meditation or walking as a form of mental reset—critical for slowing down and managing the chaos of entrepreneurship.

#1 insight for protecting yourself legally in real estate: Get a great attorney. Legal guidance is your first and best layer of protection.

Favorite restaurant in Inglewood, CA: Stuff I Eat.

• Learn more at polymathlegal.com

• Check out Nic’s previous episode on Multifamily Insights

• If you’re raising capital, start with clarity: know your exemption, disclose all risks, and build investor trust from day one

• Don’t skip the PPM or your operating agreement—they’re critical tools, not formalities

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Lissette Calderon is the founder and CEO of Neology Group, a vertically integrated, impact-driven development firm based in Miami. As the first Latina to lead a major development firm in her hometown, she’s led the transformation of the Miami River and Allapattah neighborhoods through “attainable luxury”—providing high-quality, amenitized housing for the local workforce. With over 1,500 units developed and more on the way, Lissette proves that profitability and purpose can—and should—coexist.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Lissette began her development career at The Related Group and went on to break ground on her first high-rise—Neo Lofts—at just 28.

• Neology’s focus on “attainable luxury” creates aspirational, amenitized workforce housing in overlooked neighborhoods.

• Her team uses public-private partnerships, cultural awareness, and design-forward thinking to catalyze community growth.

• Lissette bootstrapped her first deals through savings, small checks, and networking her way to institutional equity partners.

• She views workforce housing as both a business opportunity and a social mission to serve overlooked middle-income renters.

From Wall Street to the Miami River

• Started as an investment banker but realized her passion was in real estate development.

• Left banking to work for The Related Group—eventually becoming their first female developer.

• Used her experience to launch Neology and develop her first major project, Neo Lofts.

Why Lissette Focuses on Workforce Housing

• Identified unmet demand from up-and-coming professionals being priced out of desirable locations.

• Targets neighborhoods with potential (e.g., Miami River, Allapattah) and adds value through design, amenities, and affordability.

• Believes in “impact per square foot,” building purpose-driven communities, not just properties.

Executing a Vision Without a Playbook

• Faced skepticism from lenders and investors when pioneering the Miami River corridor.

• Collected 199 condo reservations in 3 months to prove demand and secure financing.

• Partnered with the city to reopen parks and build early phases of the Miami Riverwalk.

Scaling Development Without Losing Soul

• Developed over 1,500 units, including 40-story high-rises and ground-up towers in emerging areas.

• Opened “Fourteen” with 237 units in Allapattah—67% leased in two months.

• Blends institutional discipline with local cultural integrity and community engagement.

Advice for Aspiring Developers

• Start by working under an experienced developer or firm to learn the process and build relationships.

• If going solo, begin with smaller, less risky projects like townhomes or build-for-rent.

• Execution, discipline, and team-building are essential to success—vision alone isn’t enough.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Lissette up for success: Leaving investment banking felt like failure at the time, but it opened the door to her true path in development.

Digital or mobile resource: AI tools for leasing, construction, and resident experience. Also uses Monday.com for real-time collaboration and task tracking across projects.

Book recommendation: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight — for its honest portrayal of entrepreneurship, grit, and resilience.

Daily habit: Spends five minutes each morning in silent gratitude and intention-setting—grounding her day in purpose.

#1 insight for being a successful developer: Blend passion, purpose, vision, and execution. You need all four for success—none can stand alone.

Favorite restaurant in Miami, FL: Versailles.

• Learn more at neologylife.com

• Follow Lissette’s journey on social to see how design, culture, and business can intersect for good

• Look beyond profits—invest in projects that uplift communities and create long-term value

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Sid Shamim is the founder and CEO of Headway Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm based in Houston, TX. With a background in engineering and a career in oil and gas, Sid transitioned into real estate full-time after building a single-family portfolio and identifying key inefficiencies in property management. Today, Headway Capital manages a $600M+ multifamily portfolio across Texas and Arizona, with over 200 employees and a mission to build enduring teams and cash-flowing assets.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Sid started with single-family rentals before scaling into syndications, and now oversees 43 projects and $600M+ in AUM.

• After a poor experience with third-party management, he built a fully integrated operating team—including auditors, construction, and HR.

• Sid views employees as the company’s “number one customers,” and invests in mentorship, homeownership, and equity programs for his team.

• Cash flow, conservative leverage, and controllable debt terms are the keys to surviving down cycles in multifamily.

• Culture and execution are more important than capital raising when it comes to long-term operational success.

Leaving Corporate to Build Headway Capital

• Originally moved to the U.S. to study computer science, then worked in oil and gas.

• Frustrated by volatility and layoffs in the energy sector, he began investing in single-family homes.

• By 2015, he launched Headway Capital and transitioned to multifamily syndications.

Why Sid Built a Vertically Integrated Business

• Hired a third-party manager on his first deal—quickly discovered mismanagement and misaligned incentives.

• Took over operations himself, built a management team from scratch, and now controls property management, construction, and auditing.

• Built an internal culture of discipline, transparency, and long-term retention.

How Headway Invests in Its People

• Employees are treated as the #1 customer—offered mentorship, business coaching, and custom development plans.

• Equity participation starts at just $5 for long-term staff; other perks include homeownership assistance and college scholarships.

• Offers quarterly mentorship sessions to align employee goals with company growth.

Operations Over Hype

• Capital raising is important, but executing a business plan is harder and more essential.

• Bad debt or misaligned operations can ruin even a great deal.

• A 36-point property audit helps the team stay “exit-ready” at all times.

Buy Box and Investment Criteria

• Targets 150+ unit assets, 1980s or newer, in strong locations in TX and AZ.

• Buys at a solid basis with potential for immediate cash flow and upside via renovation.

• Uses federal renovation grants to reduce capex load on value-add deals.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Sid up for success: Hiring the wrong people and failing to remove them early cost time and trust. This taught him to prioritize culture and execution from day one.

Digital or mobile resource: He uses a physical timer to manage ADHD and breaks tasks into 20-minute chunks for better focus and productivity.

Book recommendation:

• Atomic Habits – to develop discipline over motivation

• The Magic of Thinking Big – for expanding mindset and operations

Daily habit: Uses timed sprints to break tasks into focused sessions—managing ADHD while staying aligned with goals.

#1 insight for building a great culture: Know your employees beyond the job—be fair, patient, and generous. Let them hold you accountable too.

Favorite restaurant in Houston, TX: True Kitchen.

• Learn more at headwayinvestment.com 

• Ask better questions about operations, not just returns, before investing

• Focus on culture, team-building, and business readiness—not just market cycles

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Tomás Fonseca is the co-founder of Icons of Real Estate, the world’s largest real estate podcast network. With a background in SEO and digital marketing, Tomás pivoted to podcasting after realizing its unmatched power to build relationships and generate business. He now oversees production of 70+ podcasts tailored to real estate professionals—helping them attract clients, build authority, and raise capital through meaningful guest conversations.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Podcasting isn’t about chasing massive downloads—it’s a relationship-building tool that can drive real business growth.

• Guests are often more valuable than listeners; Tomás built his company by turning guest interviews into client conversations.

• SEO offers long-term value but comes with high cost and slow results—podcasting delivers faster ROI and stronger connections.

• Success starts with vision: aligning your podcast with business goals ensures long-term commitment and impact.

• You don’t need to be famous or perfect to start—just have something valuable to offer and start connecting.

From SEO to Podcasting Powerhouse

• Tomás got his start handling SEO and websites for real estate clients.

• Discovered the power of podcasting when his agency used it to generate nearly all new business.

• Transitioned fully to podcast production and coaching when SEO proved too slow and costly for many clients.

How Podcasting Became the #1 Business Generator

• Podcasts allowed Tomás to capture full attention—unlike cold calls, emails, or social ads.

• Every agency client came through the podcast; guests became warm leads and referral partners.

• The show wasn’t just about content—it was about creating trust and value in the first conversation.

Why Download Counts Don’t Matter

• Most podcasters chase vanity metrics—but real value comes from intentional guest selection and follow-up.

• A show with 500 listens can earn $15M/year if the audience is right.

• Focus on guest outreach, not becoming “the next Joe Rogan.”

Icons of Real Estate Podcast Strategy

• Starts with defining the host’s business goals and ideal client.

• Tailors guest list to match referral partners, capital investors, or customer avatars.

• Teaches hosting, guest coaching, and soft-launch strategy to ensure consistency and clarity.

What If Your Ideal Guests Don’t Want the Spotlight?

• Try anonymous guest formats or live coaching episodes where guests remain private.

• Not all content needs to be public-facing—the connection is what matters most.

• The real return happens off-mic through relationships, referrals, and partnerships.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Tomás up for success: Getting let go from a startup forced him to work in call centers and restaurants. That humbling season taught him communication, resilience, and the value of entrepreneurship—which led to founding Icons of Real Estate.

Digital or mobile resource: Eddy.ai – a real-time AI meeting coach that gives live speaking feedback, helps during podcasts, webinars, and sales calls.

Book recommendation: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari — offers historical insight into how humanity evolved and why that matters for understanding ourselves today.

Daily habit: Playing football (soccer) to relieve stress, reset mentally, and maintain camaraderie—especially important when working remotely.

#1 insight for launching a podcast to grow your business: Start with a clear vision, and then just do it. You don’t need fancy equipment—your smartphone is enough to get started today.

• Learn more at IconsofRealEstate.com

• Download Tomás’ free guide: Podcast Frameworks

• Reach out directly via email at [email protected]

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Mike Cossette is an award-winning RE/MAX broker and co-owner of RE/MAX Gateway in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, Mike has built an impressive investment portfolio of 18 properties—including multifamily units, Airbnbs, and even a private island. Known for blending lifestyle, creativity, and strategic investing, he helps clients and fellow agents scale sustainably while leveraging both real estate licenses and entrepreneurial grit.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• Mike’s first house hack was a frat house—literally—with bullet holes in the roof, but it appreciated enough to fund his investing journey.

• Being both an agent and investor gave him an edge: faster access to deals, deeper market data, and commission savings.

• Scaling too quickly without stabilizing operations or budgeting for CapEx can lead to long-term setbacks.

• His private island investment was driven more by lifestyle than ROI—but it’s still appreciated significantly.

• Adaptability, multiple exit strategies, and alignment with personal life stages are key to sustainable investing.

From Frat House to Financial Freedom

• Started investing in college by house hacking a four-bedroom home with his fraternity.

• Learned property management, rent collection, and legal risks the hard way.

• Despite the chaos, the home appreciated, teaching him about leverage and wealth creation.

Agent + Investor = Advantage

• Uses his license to act fast, save on commissions, and analyze market trends in real time.

• Warns that agents sometimes skip due diligence when investing for themselves—treat every deal with care.

• Highlights liability risks agents face if they don’t operate with transparency or try to “cherry-pick” deals.

Scaling Tips for Agents and Investors

• Warns against growing too fast—stabilize one deal before jumping to the next.

• Many new investors ignore CapEx and exit strategy planning.

• Focus on cash flow and structure, not just buying “a good deal.”

Investing in a Private Island

• Bought a 1.2-acre island in Florida with friends during COVID—initially as a land rental play.

• Faced challenges with permits, infrastructure, hurricanes, and tide levels.

• Currently undeveloped but used for camping, treasure hunts, and family escape—zero pressure to monetize it now.

What He’s Seeing in Austin’s Market

• Submarkets are performing very differently, even within the same price bands.

• Distressed sellers are creating negotiation opportunities not seen since 2008–2009.

• Long-term fundamentals in Austin remain strong, especially with companies like Tesla and Apple investing there.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Mike up for success: Bought a short-term rental in Florida that was hit by multiple hurricanes. It was initially a disaster, but insurance and creative management turned it into a profitable recovery.

Digital or mobile resource:

• RPR (Realtor Property Resource) – gives quick access to property data and demographics.

• BiggerPockets – his go-to for deal calculators, forums, and investor tools.

Book recommendation: The Slight Edge – teaches how small, consistent actions lead to transformational results over time.

Daily habit: Starts at 5 a.m. with workouts and positive podcasts, then quiet meditation after school drop-off to recharge and stay centered.

#1 insight for scaling as an investor agent: Stay adaptable. The market changes—your strategy should too. Always have Plan B and Plan C.

Favorite restaurant in Austin, TX: Matt’s El Rancho

• Connect with Mike or follow him on social @askmikecos

• Check out our 35 Hacks to Find the Best Places to Invest

• Explore dual-track growth as an agent-investor for speed, savings, and insights

• Remember: not every deal needs to be about ROI—some should serve your lifestyle and family values

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

John Carlson is the CEO of Mark-Taylor Residential and a multifamily veteran with over 20 years of experience in real estate operations and leadership. He began his journey as a resident in one of the company’s properties and rose through the ranks with a deep commitment to service, people-first culture, and long-term investment strategy. Today, he oversees a $10+ billion portfolio and is known for championing data-driven decision-making and organizational growth through purpose-driven leadership.

📢 Announcement: Get 25% off your first two months with Hemlane’s property management software — visit hemlane.com and use the promo code: multifamilypodcast25.

• John’s career began with a part-time leasing job at a Mark-Taylor property where he once lived as a resident.

• A strong personal mission and aligning with a company’s purpose have been core to his long-term success.

• Working with institutional investors taught him the discipline of sticking to a defined investment thesis.

• Real estate is a long-term game—those who try to time the market often face avoidable risks.

• Culture, transparency, and uncomfortable growth moments are key to personal and organizational evolution.

From Resident to CEO

• John started as an unemployed engineer living in a Mark-Taylor apartment.

• After being offered a leasing role, he discovered a passion for multifamily and transitioned his career.

• Over time, he grew within the company while gaining exposure to asset management and institutional clients.

Why Purpose-Driven Culture Matters

• Meets with every new hire to discuss their personal mission and how it can align with the company vision.

• Encourages clarity and long-term thinking rather than reactive career decisions.

• Believes true employee retention starts with shared purpose.

Lessons from Institutional Investors

• Institutional groups adhere rigidly to investment criteria, which protects them from emotional decisions.

• Many individual investors fall into traps by abandoning their buy box just to close a deal.

• Stick to your investment thesis to avoid overextending in high-risk cycles.

Timing the Market vs. Building for the Long Game

• Markets like Phoenix saw huge growth, but rapid supply expansion exposed weaknesses.

• Fix-and-flip mindsets can backfire without flexible exit strategies.

• Disciplined, data-backed investing with a long-term outlook consistently outperforms speculation.

What Makes an Operator Stand Out

• Developers and owners who understand submarket data, upcoming supply, and cost dynamics build better partnerships.

• Transparency, market knowledge, and staying coachable are key to successful collaboration.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set John up for success: Losing 26 employees in a surprise asset management transition in 2006 taught John the importance of growth planning and protecting people. Since then, no employee has lost a position in a similar transaction under his leadership.

Digital or mobile resource: ChatGPT 4.5 – Used daily as a CEO profile to streamline decisions, write, and think through strategy.

Book recommendation:

• The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

• 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson

• 7 Powers by Jeffrey Pfeffer

Daily habit: Three daily gratitudes with his wife every morning to start the day with presence and positivity. Reviews personal and professional goals monthly.

#1 insight for growth: Be uncomfortable. Growth only happens when you step into challenge—and sustain it. Delayed gratification leads to stronger long-term success.

Favorite restaurant in Phoenix, AZ: Steak 44 — one of the top steakhouses in the country, known for world-class food and consistently exceptional service.

• Learn more about John’s work and services at www.mark-taylor.com 

• Revisit your personal mission and ensure it aligns with your professional path

• Adopt the mindset of long-term stewardship over short-term gain—whether you’re managing 10 units or 10,000

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Jessie Lang is a real estate investor, author, and educator who scaled her rental portfolio from 11 to over 70 units in just a few years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Jessie specializes in the BRRRR method, systems-based renovations, and portfolio management with a lean remote team. She is the author of Rentals Made Easy, a tactical step-by-step guide for scaling rental properties with clarity, confidence, and consistency.

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• Jessie started as an “accidental landlord” and slowly scaled through house hacking before fully committing to real estate in 2018.

• Using the BRRRR method, she grew from 11 to 70+ units in just 3–4 years—many with zero of her own money left in the deal.

• Renovating with standardized finishes, materials, and a trusted GC enabled her to scale quickly and manage efficiently.

• Prioritizing function and safety over cosmetics helps avoid lawsuits and ensures tenant satisfaction.

• Her book Rentals Made Easy distills her entire system—from acquisition to refinance to management—into a tactical playbook.

From Accidental Landlord to Full-Time Investor

• Bought her first condo in Austin, TX, house hacked with roommates, and stumbled into rentals.

• Moved to Columbus in 2018 and began wholesaling to generate income, eventually shifting to holding rentals.

• Her first 11 units took nearly a decade; the next 60+ came within a few focused years using BRRRR.

Mastering the BRRRR Method

• Buy under market value (targeting 75% all-in relative to after-repair value).

• Renovate with a standardized finish package and the same GC on over 40 projects.

• Rent to long-term tenants after careful screening to minimize turnover.

• Refinance with DSCR loans to pull all invested capital out (and sometimes extra).

• Repeat using funds recycled from previous deals.

Why Renovation Standards Matter

• All homes have identical materials: flooring, lighting, paint, hardware—enabling bulk buying and easier maintenance.

• Having one go-to GC has streamlined every deal and built mutual trust and speed.

• Focuses on functional upgrades and safety (handrails, smoke detectors, hot water, secure windows) to avoid costly litigation.

How BRRRR Unlocks Scalability

• The ideal deal involves being “all-in” at 75% of the after-repair value—allowing full capital return at refi.

• In her best years, Jessie pulled out $20–30K per deal, tax-free, to fund the next property.

• Emphasizes careful comp checks, rental projections, and keeping a conservative margin in every deal.

What Her Book Covers

• Rentals Made Easy is a no-fluff tactical guide with real numbers, examples, and repeatable systems.

• Includes her exact processes for deal analysis, construction, tenant screening, and long-term management.

• Also runs a Facebook group and coaching program to help other investors launch and scale.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Failure that set Jesse up for success: Delayed hiring due to fear—did everything solo for too long. While it slowed her down, it taught her every part of the business.

Book recommendation: Die With Zero — a mindset-shifting book that helped her rethink financial priorities and balance income with lifestyle.

Daily habit: Long walks with her dog—sometimes listening to podcasts, sometimes just thinking. It’s her mental clarity ritual.

#1 insight for scaling with BRRRR: Jump before you’re fully ready. You’ll never know 100% of everything—move forward with support and figure it out as you go.

Favorite restaurant in Columbus, OH: Lalibela

• Grab Jessie’s book Rentals Made Easy on Amazon

• Join her Facebook group for free resources and deal support

• Explore how BRRRR + systems can unlock financial freedom with less personal capital

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