In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Nagel — CIO & CFO of Decron Properties — to unpack how a multigenerational real estate family built a 10,000-unit empire over 70+ years and why they’re now pivoting billions OUT of California into growth markets like Phoenix & Austin.

Daniel shares his grandfather’s Holocaust-to-developer story, the philosophy behind surviving every market cycle since 1956, what institutional investors really look for, and how to build an investment platform that lasts generations.

If you're serious about multifamily investing, family offices, long-term real estate strategy, and institutional-grade deal thinking — this episode is a masterclass.

🎯 Key Takeaways

- Immigrant perseverance → building a $B real estate legacy

- Why Decron shifted from homebuilding to multifamily

- Surviving recessions & maintaining lender relationships

- California exit strategy: regulation, taxes, and rent control impact

- Why core & core-plus outperform value-add in today’s market

- The pivot to institutional capital & what IRR really means

- How to scale across markets without losing your edge

- Tech, AI, and modern CRE skill-sets for the next 10 years

🔗 Links

Sponsor: AI for CRE Collective – transforming real-estate workflows with AI

https://www.aiforcrecollective.com

Connect With Daniel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nageldaniel/ (Decron Properties)

Connect With Taylor

📩 Newsletter: https://www.thegroupcre.com

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayloravakian

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/tayloravakian

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

#RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilyInvesting #InstitutionalRealEstate #FamilyOffice #CaliforniaRealEstate #SunbeltInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateStrategy #HousingMarket #Development #WealthBuilding #AIinRealEstate

From small beginnings to billion-dollar portfolios — Paul Julian has seen it all.

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Paul Julian, a multifamily investor and operator who built success through persistence, partnership, and purpose. Paul shares how he scaled from early real estate deals to managing large multifamily assets, breaking down the strategies, risks, and mindset behind long-term success in a volatile market.

You’ll learn:

- How Paul got started in real estate and built early traction

- The secrets behind scaling a multifamily portfolio sustainably

- How partnerships and investor trust drive long-term growth

- Lessons from navigating interest rates, market cycles, and risk

- The mindset and systems that separate top operators from the rest

- Why consistency, humility, and patience are the keys to real wealth

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🔗 Connect & Resources

🎙️ Hosted by: Taylor Avakian — The Group CRE

🌐 Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com

💼 Connect with Paul Julian (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

📧 Business Inquiries: [email protected]

🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube

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Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

#TheGroupCRE #PaulJulian #MultifamilyRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #TaylorAvakian #WealthBuilding #PropertyManagement #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentStrategy #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom

Brandon Hance did 180+ real estate deals in Los Angeles in just 7 years. Sounds incredible, right?

But here's the truth: he wishes he'd done fewer deals and made MORE money.

In this episode, Brandon opens up about his journey from tech startup founder to one of LA's most prolific developers - and why the "hustle harder" mentality almost destroyed him. He shares the brutal lessons he learned scaling too fast, the health crisis that nearly killed him, and how he's completely rebuilt his approach with his new company, Angelino Development.

If you're thinking about scaling your real estate business, this conversation will change how you think about growth.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why doing MORE deals often means LESS profit

✅ The hidden costs of high-volume development in LA

✅ How to systemize your development business for scale

✅ Navigating LA's complex zoning and permitting process

✅ The importance of quality of life in building wealth

✅ When to say no to deals (even good ones)

Whether you’re chasing big goals or recovering from setbacks, this conversation is a raw, honest look at what success really costs — and what matters most after it’s gone.

CONNECT WITH ME:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.thegroupcre.com

This episode is sponsored by AI for CRE Collective - an exclusive community built for real estate professionals using AI to close more deals, manage properties smarter, and scale faster.

Whether you’re a broker, investor, or property manager, join over 400 members already transforming their business with AI tools and strategies.

🔗 Learn more at [www.aiforcrecollective.com](https://www.aiforcrecollective.com/)

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#TheGroupCRE #BrandonHance #Entrepreneurship #TaylorAvakian #FaithAndBusiness #WealthBuilding #Resilience #Leadership #StartupJourney #BusinessMindset

How do you build affordable housing in a city known for red tape, high costs, and endless delays?

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Mott Smith, co-founder of Amped Kitchens and the Los Angeles Small Developer Collective, to discuss how smart policy, modular design, and process innovation can transform housing development in California.

You’ll learn:

- Why LA’s housing and permit systems are fundamentally broken

- How Mott Smith helps small developers build smarter and faster

- The impact of modular kitchens, ADUs, and adaptive reuse projects

- What cities can learn from entrepreneurs and private sector innovation

- How policy reform could unlock LA’s next housing boom

Whether you’re a developer, policymaker, or housing advocate, this episode unpacks the complex relationship between regulation, creativity, and real-world solutions.

Sponsor: https://aiforcrecollective.com/

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#TheGroupCRE #MottSmith #HousingCrisis #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstatePodcast #TaylorAvakian #AffordableHousing #PolicyReform #UrbanPlanning #CRE

How does someone go from fixing copy machines to owning and operating over 6,000 multifamily units?

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Steve Ludwig, a multifamily investor who turned humble beginnings into a billion-dollar portfolio. Steve shares his path from blue-collar work into real estate, breaking down the strategies, discipline, and mindset that helped him scale in one of the toughest industries.

Sponsor: www.aiforcrecollective.com

You’ll learn:

- How Steve transitioned from fixing copiers into real estate

- The mindset shifts that fueled his long-term growth

- Lessons from managing and scaling 6,000 multifamily units

- How to balance risk, debt, and investor relationships

- Why patience and discipline matter more than timing

Whether you’re starting small or aiming to scale big, Steve’s story is a masterclass in persistence, resilience, and wealth building.

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#TheGroupCRE #SteveLudwig #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstatePodcast #TaylorAvakian #ApartmentInvesting #WealthBuilding #PropertyManagement #CRE #RealEstateInvesting

In this episode of The Group CRE, Taylor Avakian sits down with Chris Gray, President of Moss & Company, which manages over 15,000 multifamily units and 3 million sq. ft. of commercial space. Chris shares how Moss scaled its operations, built a strong company culture, and leveraged technology to tackle today’s toughest challenges — from fraud prevention to AI-driven leasing.

You’ll learn:

- How Moss and Company scaled from 4,000 to 15,000 units

- The leadership changes that transformed company culture

- Why most owners struggle with property management

- How AI and machine learning are reshaping leasing and fraud prevention

- The biggest threats — and opportunities — facing LA’s rental market

Whether you’re an owner, investor, or operator, this episode offers powerful insights on growth, resilience, and the future of property management.

CONNECT WITH ME:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.thegroupcre.com

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

#RealEstatePodcast #PropertyManagement #MultifamilyInvesting #LosAngelesRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #CRE #ApartmentInvesting #AIinRealEstate #MarsAndCompany #TheGroupCRE

How does a professional skateboarder transition into building a $400M real estate portfolio?

In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian sits down with Mikey Taylor — former pro skater turned entrepreneur, investor, and city councilman. Mikey shares his unique path from skating the streets to leading one of the most successful real estate ventures in Southern California.

You’ll learn:

- How Mikey reinvented himself after a pro skating career

- The mindset shift from athlete to entrepreneur and investor

- Lessons from building community-driven real estate projects

- Why discipline and creativity go hand-in-hand in business

- Mikey’s advice for athletes, creators, and anyone facing reinvention

Whether you’re in sports, business, or real estate, Mikey’s story offers a powerful blueprint for resilience, creativity, and long-term success.

CONNECT WITH ME:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.thegroupcre.com

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

#NoVacancyPodcast #MikeyTaylor #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #TaylorAvakian #AthleteToEntrepreneur #Skateboarding #PropertyInvestment #BusinessMindset #CRE

How do you evolve from small-scale real estate deals to building large, transformative projects?

In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian sits down with Marco Vartanian, a seasoned investor, broker, and developer, who shares his journey of scaling in real estate through timing, persistence, and smart strategy. From his early days flipping single-family homes to his current role in large developments, Marco reveals the mindset and decision-making that helped him navigate multiple market cycles.

You’ll learn:

- How Marco transitioned from brokerage into full-time investing and development

- The role of timing and market discipline in long-term success

- Strategies for sourcing and underwriting profitable deals

- Lessons from market downturns and how to stay resilient

- Why adaptability and relationships matter in scaling real estate

Whether you’re an investor starting small or aiming to grow into large-scale projects, Marco’s story offers actionable lessons for every stage.

CONNECT WITH ME:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.thegroupcre.com

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#NoVacancyPodcast #MarcoVartanian #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateDevelopment #TaylorAvakian #PropertyInvestment #MultifamilyRealEstate #MarketCycles #RealEstatePodcast #CRE

What does it take to grow from flipping cars in college to owning over 5,000 apartments and 2 million square feet of retail?

In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian interviews Fred Leeds, a legendary real estate investor and operator. Fred shares his one-of-a-kind journey — from his first duplex purchase to cold-calling strategies, creative financing, and transformative inner-city projects. Along the way, he reveals the mindset and work ethic that turned opportunities into generational wealth.

You’ll learn:

- How Fred leveraged cold-calling to find and close deals

- Why inner-city Los Angeles became a cornerstone of his portfolio

- Stories of creative negotiations and community partnerships

- Lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and thinking outside the box

- The mindset shifts that turn hard work into long-term success

Whether you’re an investor, operator, or someone chasing their first deal, Fred’s story delivers timeless strategies and inspiration.

CONNECT WITH ME:

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.thegroupcre.com

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#NoVacancyPodcast #FredLeeds #RealEstateInvesting #ColdCalling #PropertyManagement #RetailRealEstate #TaylorAvakian #ApartmentInvestor #CRE #RealEstatePodcast

How do you continue to find winning multifamily deals in one of the toughest markets in recent years?

In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian interviews Mark Bolour, a multifamily investor and operator who’s made his mark with smart acquisitions and disciplined asset management. Mark shares how he identifies value-add opportunities, navigates challenging debt environments, and structures deals to deliver long-term stability.

You’ll learn:

- How to find and evaluate true value-add deals in competitive markets

- Strategies for securing financing in high-interest rate environments

- The importance of tenant relationships and operational efficiency

- Balancing short-term pressures with long-term investment goals

- Navigating today’s market cycle with a disciplined approach

Whether you’re an operator, investor, or just curious about multifamily real estate, this episode delivers actionable insights from the trenches.

Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.

🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian

📈 Connect with me:

Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/TAYVAY_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/

#NoVacancyPodcast #MarkBolour #MultifamilyRealEstate #ValueAddInvesting #RealEstatePodcast #TaylorAvakian #ApartmentInvestor #RealEstateInvesting #OperationalExcellence #PropertyManagement