Alan Porter is a former U.S. Army Black Hawk instructor pilot turned nationally recognized financial educator, bestselling author, and certified financial fiduciary. After a long military career and success in real estate and mortgage lending, a series of family health crises reshaped his understanding of financial planning, life insurance, and long-term care. Today, Alan specializes in advanced tax-free retirement planning, wealth preservation, business exit strategies, and legacy planning for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.

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

• Understand why health events, not market cycles, are the biggest threat to retirement security

• Learn how sequence of returns risk can quietly devastate traditional retirement plans

• Discover how life insurance can function as a tax-free retirement and liquidity tool

• See why effective interest cost matters more than stated interest rates

• Learn how proactive tax and retirement planning can protect wealth across generations

Why Financial Planning Became Personal for Alan

• Family health crises exposed major gaps in traditional planning

• Terminal illness rider benefits provided critical, tax-free liquidity

• Firsthand experience reshaped Alan's career focus

Health Care Costs and Long-Term Care Risk

• Long-term care costs range from $50,000–$200,000 per year and continue rising

• Medicare does not cover long-term care; Medicaid requires asset spend-down

• Health events can erase decades of savings without proper planning

Sequence of Returns Risk Explained

• Early retirement losses can permanently derail portfolios

• Market downturns combined with withdrawals accelerate depletion

• Traditional advisors often overlook this risk

Effective Interest Cost and Hidden Debt

• Mortgages and credit cards carry much higher real costs than advertised rates

• Effective interest cost reveals how much money truly goes to lenders

• Eliminating high-interest debt can outperform traditional investments

Becoming Your Own Bank

• Cash-value life insurance allows borrowing while assets continue compounding

• Loan repayment is flexible and under the policyholder's control

• Policies can fund education, vehicles, emergencies, and retirement

Limitations of 401(k)s and Qualified Plans

• Fees, taxes, and required minimum distributions reduce net retirement income

• Taxes are deferred, not eliminated

• Most investors underestimate future tax exposure

Tax-Free Retirement and Legacy Planning

• Properly structured insurance strategies can deliver tax-free income

• Policies avoid Social Security taxation and Medicare means testing

• Assets can transfer across generations more efficiently

Failure that set Alan up for success: Not planning ahead. Failing to prepare for life events led to higher costs and financial strain later.

Digital or mobile resource recommended: Alan's YouTube channel and educational resources at StrategicWealthStrategies.com.

Book recommended most in the last year: Tax-Free Retirement Solution.

Daily habit that keeps him focused: Early mornings, daily workouts, and structured planning to start each day with intention.

#1 insight for creating long-term wealth: Learn how insurance products work and what they can truly do.

• Visit Alan's website and check out his retirement tax calculator

• Review your current retirement and tax strategy

• Learn how sequence of returns risk affects your plan

• Evaluate long-term care exposure and insurance options

• Explore tax-free income strategies before retirement

• Get a second opinion on your financial plan

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 don't miss an episode.

This week, learn how to protect yourself from scams that quietly destroy returns and credibility in multifamily investing. You'll explore real-world examples involving questionable wholesalers, unethical contractors, property management fraud, tenant scams, and misleading coaching programs, along with practical safeguards you can put in place. The core message is simple: the fastest way to lose money in multifamily isn't market cycles, it's trusting the wrong people.

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

• Focus first on not losing money before trying to maximize returns

• Learn how to spot red flags when evaluating wholesalers and off-market deals

• Understand common contractor and subcontractor fraud risks

• Protect yourself from property management and tenant-related scams

• Ask better questions before paying for coaching or education

Why Avoiding Scams Matters More Than Chasing Returns

• Investing success starts with capital preservation

• Scams exist in every industry, including real estate

• Sophisticated scammers actively target investors

Wholesalers and False Deal Control

• Difference between legitimate wholesalers and bad actors

• Red flags like proof-of-funds requests before sharing financials

• Risks of marketing deals without legal authority or contracts

• How fake deal control can blow up transactions

Contractors and Construction Fraud

• Distinguishing poor operations from intentional scams

• Theft through inflated invoices, material misuse, or diverted funds

• Real-world example of unpaid subcontractors and liens

• Importance of lien waivers and payment controls

Property Management Fraud and Internal Theft

• Risks when managers have unchecked financial access

• Examples of missing rent payments and stolen deposits

• Limiting account access and enforcing approval thresholds

• Eliminating cash payments to ensure transparency

Rental Listing and Tenant Scams

• Fake listings used to steal security deposits

• Rent prices that are "too good to be true"

• Tenant fraud through false employment or income verification

• Overpayment and bad-check refund schemes

Coaching, Mentoring, and Education Red Flags

• Difference between bad outcomes and actual scams

• Bait-and-switch seminar tactics

• Importance of knowing who your coach actually is

• Evaluating deliverables, experience, and risk mitigation

• Distinction between mentoring (process-based) and coaching (person-based)

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

• Reach out to John through this form or directly at [email protected]

• Tighten due diligence around partners, vendors, and deal sources

• Require contracts, documentation, and lien waivers consistently

• Eliminate cash handling and increase financial transparency

• Ask direct questions before investing in coaching or education

• Surround yourself with experienced, active multifamily investors

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 don't miss an episode.

Phil DePaul is a home-services entrepreneur and the CEO of Boom Zell Enterprises, which includes United Water Restoration Group of Long Island and 1-Tom-Plumber Long Island. Raised in a blue-collar household with a father who was a plumber, Phil spent more than a decade helping scale a family-owned plumbing wholesale business before leaving to build companies of his own. Today, he focuses on restoration, plumbing, and related services, with a leadership philosophy centered on action, accountability, and restoring people before properties.

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

• Understand why restoration is about restoring people before repairing property

• Learn how action and momentum matter more than perfect planning in entrepreneurship

• See why plumbing is the leading cause of water damage in multifamily properties

• Recognize the importance of proactive vendor relationships for property managers

From Blue-Collar Roots to Entrepreneurship

• Grew up with a plumber father but pursued a different path early on

• Spent 14 years helping scale a plumbing wholesale business

• Hit a ceiling and chose to leave to build something of his own

Becoming a "Visionary With No Vision"

• Entered entrepreneurship without a clear end goal

• Learned by taking action rather than over-planning

• Emphasized momentum, adaptability, and execution

What Restoration Really Means

• Restoration addresses sudden, accidental property damage

• Common causes include water, fire, smoke, and mold

• Mitigation focuses on reducing damage before it spreads

Restoring the Person First

• Homeowners are often panicked and overwhelmed during a loss

• Effective restoration starts with empathy and trust

• The goal is to restore peace of mind before rebuilding property

Multifamily Complexity and Stakeholder Management

• Multifamily losses involve tenants, owners, and property managers

• Conflicting priorities create tension during emergencies

• Restoration providers must balance empathy with business realities

Why Proactivity Matters in Multifamily

• Plumbing failures are the leading cause of water damage

• Preventative maintenance reduces catastrophic losses

• Strong vendor relationships help property managers respond faster

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Failure that set Phil up for success: Chasing too many opportunities at once. Phil learned that trying to climb multiple mountains simultaneously slowed progress and reinforced the importance of prioritization and focus.

Digital or mobile resource recommended: Audible for audiobooks, Blinkist for condensed book summaries, and Alex Hormozi's business content for practical frameworks.

Book recommended most in the last year: 100 Million Dollar Money Models for building scalable businesses, along with Think and Grow Rich for mindset and perspective.

Daily habit that keeps him focused: Practicing stillness in the morning, even when it feels uncomfortable, to regain clarity and presence.

#1 insight for running multiple businesses: Get one business fully stabilized before launching another, and let it mature before expanding further.

Favorite restaurant in Long Island: A local gourmet deli and bagel shop near his home, valued for convenience and quality.

• Check out Phil's company, BoomZeal

• Evaluate emergency preparedness plans for your multifamily properties

• Build proactive relationships with restoration and plumbing partners

• Review preventative maintenance strategies to reduce water damage risk

• Prioritize empathy and communication during tenant emergencies

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 don't miss an episode.

In this solo episode, we break down the most common ways investors lose money in apartment investing. And, more importantly, how to avoid them. While multifamily is a powerful wealth-building vehicle, it's not foolproof. We walk through real-world examples from my own portfolio to highlight where deals go wrong, from negative cash flow and over-leverage to bad partners and poor business planning. This episode is a practical guide for investors who want to protect capital, reduce risk, and build durable multifamily portfolios.

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

• Understand how negative cash flow quietly erodes deals over time

• Learn why conservative underwriting matters more than optimistic projections

• See how improper insurance coverage can magnify catastrophic losses

• Recognize how leverage, partners, and market selection impact long-term outcomes

Negative Cash Flow and Poor Underwriting

• Cash flow equals income minus expenses, debt service, and CapEx

• Renovations, rising expenses, and miscalculations can quickly create losses

• Trailing 12-month statements often understate true operating costs

• Investors must model realistic expenses and conservative income assumptions

Catastrophic Events and Insurance Coverage

• Fires, storms, and other disasters can shut down buildings for months

• Insurance must cover both property damage and lost business income

• Understanding deductibles, exclusions, and coverage details is critical

• Proper insurance makes unavoidable events survivable from a business standpoint

Over-Leverage and Loan Risk

• High loan-to-value ratios reduce flexibility during refinancing or sale

• Properties that fail to create value can become impossible to exit

• Conservative leverage (around 65% LTV or lower) preserves options

• Loans must match the business plan and hold strategy

Bad Partners and Weak Teams

• Poor property managers, contractors, or partners can destroy deals

• Fraud, negligence, or lack of accountability creates hidden risk

• Due diligence, references, and checks and balances are essential

• Quality partners cost more, but reduce long-term losses

Market Selection and Long-Term Growth

• Cash-flow-only markets may lack appreciation

• Aging properties require reinvestment over time

• Markets and submarkets must support long-term value growth

• Cheap properties without upside can become capital traps

Over-Improving and Flawed Business Plans

• Renovations must align with market rent ceilings

• Over-improving units doesn't guarantee higher returns

• Class B and C properties have natural rent limits

• Staying disciplined with budgets and numbers protects returns

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

• Stress-test cash flow assumptions with conservative expense models

• Review insurance policies to confirm full loss-of-income coverage

• Reevaluate leverage levels and loan terms before committing capital

• Vet partners, vendors, and markets with the same rigor as the deal

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 don't miss an episode.

Yosef Lee is a full-time litigation attorney based in New York who pivoted into multifamily real estate investing to gain greater control over his time and legacy. Driven by his desire to be more present for his two daughters, Yosef began his investing journey in 2019, joining mastermind communities and building a network from scratch. Since then, he has become a general partner in 17 syndications, participated in 5+ joint ventures, and successfully exited multiple deals—including a 3X equity multiple from his first investment. He now shares his journey to help others take purposeful action, emphasizing relationships, self-education, and long-term vision.

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

Key Takeaways

• Join the right masterminds and network consistently to accelerate your learning and deal flow.

• Learn the language of multifamily investing before pitching yourself or underwriting deals.

• Focus on people first, trustworthy partnerships are more important than proximity in out-of-state investing.

• Multifamily value-add deals are often won through rent increases, not just renovations.

• Being honest about where you are in your journey builds authentic trust with your network.

Topics

From Legal to Legacy

• Yosef shares how his role as a litigation attorney conflicted with his values as a father.

• Realized that financial success wasn't enough without freedom of time, place, and occurrence ("TPO").

Accidental Discovery of Multifamily

• Found BiggerPockets in 2019 and stumbled into multifamily after exploring other investment options.

• Chose multifamily for its scalability and team-based structure.

First Deal Breakdown: 44 Units in Kansas

• Partnered with others through a mastermind group to buy off-market.

• Pushed rents by $150–$200 and executed a cash-out refinance before ultimately selling for 3X returns.

The Power of Masterminds and Community

• Did 200+ Zoom calls in 2020 to build relationships.

• Contrasts 80% of people who said "don't join" masterminds vs. the 20% who helped him scale.

• Emphasizes that education is free, but access to the right people is worth paying for.

Authentic Branding and Thought Leadership

• Recalls a 2019 comment from John Casmon that gave him the confidence to start showing up online, even before his first deal.

• Encourages investors to be real about where they are and build in public.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Yosef up for success: Jumped too quickly into a deal where the seller used their PSA draft to raise the price and sell to another buyer. Learned to vet sellers and protect documents early on.

Digital or Mobile Resource: iPhone Notes, Reminders, and Calendar for managing tasks and prioritizing top three items daily.

Book Recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Daily Habit: Morning prioritization using reminders and selecting three must-do tasks.

#1 Insight for Starting in Multifamily: Focus on E — Education, N — Networking, and A — Action. Know the lingo, meet the right people, and don't delay taking intentional steps forward.

Next Steps

• Get in touch with Yosef on his website, yosefhlee.com

• Audit your current community and support system, are you networking with active investors?

• Evaluate if your time, place, and occurrence are truly under your control.

• Don't wait to build your platform. Share your story now, honestly and consistently.

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 don't miss an episode.

Nadav Schnall is the co-founder of ProSentry, a proptech startup focused on real-time risk mitigation for multifamily and commercial buildings. With a decade of experience at First Service Residential as VP of Luxury Properties and New Development, Nadav saw firsthand the operational challenges that property managers face. His venture addresses those pain points through sensor-based monitoring that's already helped prevent thousands of potential insurance claims.

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

Key Takeaways

• Understand how real-time risk mitigation can lower insurance premiums and prevent property damage

• Learn the top causes of water-related insurance claims and how they can be proactively addressed

• Discover how smart sensors and LoRaWAN technology are being applied to multifamily assets

• Hear how investors can use tech to boost tenant satisfaction and NOI

Topics

Why Nadav Started ProSentry

• Saw repeated property issues in his role at First Service Residential

• Reconnected with a veteran builder to launch the company

• Wanted to solve systemic building problems using tech

How Risk Mitigation Impacts Insurance

• Non-weather water damage is among the top insurance claims

• Sensors help avoid or minimize these issues

• Lower risk profile = potential savings on premiums or deductibles

What ProSentry's Sensors Actually Do

• Water, gas, temperature, humidity, smoke, vape, and rodent detection

• Uses LoRaWAN, not Wi-Fi, for stronger building-wide coverage

• Real-time alerts via app, text, call — including live operator calls

Cost and ROI for Investors

• Approx. $300–$400 per unit installation

• Ongoing cost: ~$1–$1.50/month per sensor

• Helps improve tenant experience, reduce damage, and boost NOI

Proactive Alternatives and Why They're Not Enough

• Preventative maintenance is still important

• But sensors catch things no one can manually inspect

• Especially helpful for high-turnover or under-staffed buildings

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Nadav up for success: Incorrect sensor placements due to improper floor pitch early on. Led to better tutorials and installation guidance.

Digital or mobile resource recommended: Fitness apps. Used for daily 15–20 minute physical activity to start the day with focus.

Book recommended most in the last year: The Zig Zag Kid by David Grossman and Betsy Rosenberg.

Daily habit that keeps him focused: Morning review of daily priorities and tasks. Flexibility and focus based on operational urgencies.

#1 insight for managing multifamily risk: Water damage is the top preventable issue. Staff training and emergency response plans can significantly reduce incidents.

Favorite restaurant in New York: Cosme.

Next Steps

• Evaluate your current risk management and insurance costs

• Explore LoRaWAN-based sensor technology

• Contact ProSentry to discuss customized solutions

• Factor in potential insurance savings when calculating ROI

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 don't miss an episode.

Dr. Tudor Francu is a Romanian-born anesthesiologist and real estate investor with over 15 years of experience. After immigrating to the U.S. at age 28 and building a successful medical practice, Tudor began investing in real estate—starting with single-family homes before transitioning into multifamily syndications. He has managed 30+ properties, overseen operations on multifamily assets, and now serves as a general partner in large-scale apartment deals. Tudor is the founder of Stellar Multifamily and host of the Stellar Success Podcast.

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

Key Takeaways:

• Investing with the right people is more important than the projected returns

• Being a passive investor first can be a strategic way to learn syndication before becoming a general partner

• Vertically integrated operators are more likely to succeed than those who outsource key roles

• Clear, frequent, and transparent communication is the hallmark of a great sponsor

• Taking action—even imperfectly—is essential for success in real estate

Topics

From Romania to Real Estate

• How Tudor transitioned from anesthesiologist to real estate investor

• The financial mindset inherited from growing up in a communist country

• How Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad shaped his investment journey

Starting Small, Scaling Smart

• Why he began with single-family homes

• What prompted the leap into multifamily

• How he built comfort through small wins before scaling

Passive Investing as a Learning Strategy

• Tudor's reasons for starting as an LP

• What he learned from both good and bad operators

• Why passive investing is crucial for risk-aware growth

Becoming a General Partner

• What it took to make the transition

• The critical role of transparency and communication

• A candid story about walking away from a deal days before closing

Vertically Integrated Teams

• Why vertical integration improves success rates

• The operational advantages of in-house management

• Lessons from bad deals with third-party vendors

Lessons on Leadership and Communication

• Why leasing agents are the most important people on-site

• Structuring compensation to align with asset performance

• What investors should really ask sponsors before committing

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Tudor up for success: Backing out of a deal days before closing after uncovering unreliable financials; another failure involved a dishonest business partner hiding accounting data.

Digital or mobile resource recommended: Social media accounts of credible real estate influencers like Pace Morby; books and interviews by Robert Kiyosaki.

Book recommended most in the last year: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss.

Daily habit that keeps him focused: Waking up early and following a structured morning routine to set the tone for the day.

#1 insight for transitioning into a general partner: Partner with people who are transparent, honest, and communicate well. Success hinges on trust and character.

Favorite restaurant in Baltimore, MD: Romilo's.

Next Steps

• Learn more about Tudor at stellarmultifamily.com

• Check out the Stellar Success Podcast

• Follow Tudor on LinkedIn and social media platforms

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 don't miss an episode.

Sharon Karaffa is the President of Multifamily Debt and Structured Finance at Newmark. With over two decades of experience, she's built her career advising on agency lending, capital markets strategy, and multifamily finance. From starting in corporate finance at Fannie Mae to shaping lending strategies during volatile market cycles, Sharon brings a rare lens on long-term trends and real-time insights. She has led teams through critical transitions, including Fannie Mae's restatement period and the public launch of Newmark's multifamily platform, giving her a comprehensive view from both the borrower and lender perspective.

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

Key Takeaways

• How Sharon transitioned into multifamily lending during a corporate finance shake-up at Fannie Mae

• Why mentorship and sponsorship play a crucial role in long-term success

• The ongoing conservatorship of Fannie and Freddie—and what it means for agency lending

• How current interest rate volatility is reshaping investor and lender behavior

• The role of AI in the future of multifamily debt underwriting

Topics Covered

Falling Into Multifamily by Taking a Chance

• Sharon shares how she unexpectedly landed in multifamily finance after being offered three career tracks at Fannie Mae—and choosing the one she knew the least about.

Navigating the Conservatorship Era

• A look at how Fannie and Freddie's placement under conservatorship in 2008 changed the structure of agency lending, from Treasury sweeps to regulatory capital planning.

How Volatility Affects Lending Decisions

• Sharon explains how rate volatility has impacted investor confidence and what lenders consider when advising clients during market uncertainty.

Bridge Loans vs. Agency Debt

• Sharon breaks down where potential distress may appear in the market and why deals underwritten with aggressive bridge debt may be more vulnerable.

Lender Advice: Don't Wait for the 'Perfect Rate'

• Insight on why now may still be the right time to execute a deal—and how waiting on the sidelines may mean missing key opportunities.

Tech and AI in Multifamily Lending

• Sharon shares how Newmark is experimenting with a proprietary GPT tool for internal underwriting and predictive analytics—and where AI still needs work.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Sharon up for success: Forgetting to deliver highly sensitive Monday-morning meeting materials to the CEO and executives during her early years in corporate finance. The incident pushed her to prioritize preparation and rethink broken processes.

Digital or mobile resource recommended: LinkedIn.

Book recommended most in the last year: Not Impossible by Mick Ebeling.

Daily habit that keeps her focused: Using her calendar religiously to manage both professional and personal obligations with clarity.

#1 insight for selecting the right loan: Partner with a trusted loan originator who understands your long-term strategy and can help tailor the right financing structure to meet those goals.

Next Steps

• Connect with Sharon Karaffa via Newmark or reach out to her via [email protected].

• Learn how agency lenders assess market risk and borrower fit

• Understand why building broker and lender relationships matters—especially in fast-changing markets

• Evaluate your own loan terms against your long-term investment goals

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 don't miss an episode.

In this guest appearance on the Investor Fuel – Real Estate Mastermind podcast, John Casmon shares his journey from working in corporate advertising to building a $150M multifamily portfolio. He opens up about his employer filing bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis, house hacking in Chicago, and discovering the power of mentorship and raising capital. With clarity, honesty, and strategic insight, John lays out a realistic roadmap for transitioning from W-2 work to full-time real estate investing—and how mindset and mission can elevate your ability to serve others through multifamily.

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

Key Takeaways

• How the 2008 financial crisis sparked John's journey into real estate

• House hacking a duplex and scaling to an eight-unit with personal savings

• The financial trap of saving to buy—why John pivoted to raising capital

• The value of mentorship and how one post on BiggerPockets changed everything

• John's 3 Cs framework for raising capital: Confidence, Credibility, and Connections

• How to build trust with passive investors by educating, not convincing

Topics

Corporate Roots and a Harsh Wake-Up Call

• John's early career in advertising at General Motors

• How the 2008 financial crisis sparked the need for a financial plan B

From House Hack to Portfolio Growth

• Buying a three-unit with his wife in Chicago

• Scaling to an eight-unit using all of their savings—and realizing it wasn't scalable

Discovering the Power of Mentorship

• Finding a coach via BiggerPockets and lunch in Cincinnati

• Why mentorship helped shift his mindset, strategy, and results

Learning to Raise Capital

• Moving beyond the myth of needing wealthy friends or family

• The mental shift from "asking for money" to "offering a service"

Education as a Tool for Connection

• Building trust with passive investors through consistent education

• How one friend declined to invest nine times—then came back for the tenth

The 3 Cs of Raising Capital

• Confidence: Built through preparation and market knowledge

• Credibility: Leaning on your experience and team

• Connections: Expanding beyond friends and family to reach aligned investors

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Next Steps

• Clarify your goals before you start raising capital or choosing strategies

• Focus on education and service—not pressure—when building investor relationships

• Use the 3 Cs: Confidence, Credibility, and Connections

• Don't go it alone—mentorship can accelerate everything

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 don't miss an episode.

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.

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.

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, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss an episode.