What does it take to rebuild your life—and your business—after losing it all?

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Morawski, a 30-year real estate veteran, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, whose story is one of both caution and inspiration. Mike built a $60M portfolio, lost everything, served a decade in federal prison, and then came back to rebuild his business and his life from scratch.

We dive into market cycles, market selection, lessons from failure, and the mindset it takes to overcome adversity while continuing to pursue success in real estate.

Join us as we explore:

• Why understanding market cycles is essential to building a resilient investing strategy
  
  
• How to select the right markets and avoid chasing “hot” trends
  
  
• The risks of over-leverage and mismanagement in syndications
  
  
• The process of rebuilding a business—and reputation—after catastrophic failure
  
  
• How discipline, humility, and transparency create long-term staying power in real estate

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Every investor has a deal that got away. For me, one in particular still stings—not because of market timing or bad luck, but because the failure was entirely within my control.

In this solo episode, I share the story of a property I pursued back in 2018–2019 that had all the makings of a “holy grail” deal... and how I whiffed on it. More importantly, I unpack the lessons learned that continue to guide my investing approach today—and that I hope will save you from making the same mistake.

Join us as we explore:

• Why “standard terms” like financing contingencies can cost you a deal in competitive situations
• How conviction and speed separate winners from losers in direct-to-seller negotiations
• Why collaboration with experienced investors could be the solution when you lack capital or balance sheet strength
• The importance of tying up a great deal first—and figuring out structure second
• How my approach today has flipped, and why I now act with the speed and confidence that once beat me out

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

We’ve all heard it: location, location, location. But what does that really mean when you’re underwriting multifamily deals—and how should it actually impact your numbers?

In this solo episode, I break down the real, tangible differences between buying in a good location versus a bad one—within the same asset class. Drawing from years of operating properties across varying submarkets, I share the operational, financial, and time-management impacts that location has, far beyond the cliché.

Join us as we explore:

• The operational realities of good vs. bad locations (even within the same class)
• Why vacancy, turnover, and repairs should change in your underwriting based on location
• The “ripple effect” location has on demand, resident retention, and NOI
• How location impacts your renovation scope and the rent premiums you can achieve
• Why better-located properties often deliver a higher dollar per hour return on your time—even with slightly lower projected IRRs

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Struggling to source more multifamily opportunities? The truth is, you don’t need 10 hours a week—you need just 30 focused minutes.

In this solo episode, I break down the three high-ROI activities any investor can do weekly to uncover more deals and stay top-of-mind with the people who are most likely to send you opportunities. These simple actions are repeatable, require no fancy tools, and most investors aren’t doing them consistently—which is exactly why they work.

Join us as we explore:

• The 10-minute habit that will multiply inbound deal flow through your existing network
• How to use social media (even if you're not active) to stay visible to brokers, investors, and operators
• A simple monthly newsletter strategy that keeps you relevant without selling
• How these activities fit into a “less than 1 hour/week” routine
• Why most investors miss these basics and what to do instead

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

There’s a major shift happening in the small multifamily space—and if you’re not paying attention, you might miss your window.

In this solo episode, I break down the growing competition in the small-to-mid-sized multifamily market and why it’s becoming harder to find an edge. We cover what’s changed, who’s entering the space, and how savvy investors can still win if they act now.

Join us as we explore:

• Why small multifamily properties are being pursued by more sophisticated capital
• The key market forces driving increased efficiency in this once “inefficient” niche
• How technology is making scattered-site management easier and more cost-effective
• What the generational shift in ownership means for deal flow and pricing
• Why today’s edge (deal sourcing, operations, capital structure) may not exist in 5 years
• The urgent case for doubling down before this opportunity narrows even more

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

NH Multifamily Fund III Details:

Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III

Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III

Connect with Axel:

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Ever feel overwhelmed after closing on a multifamily deal? Not sure where to start—or in what order—to execute your business plan effectively?

In this episode, I break down the five-step value-add process we follow after acquiring a multifamily property to our portfolio. Whether you're self-managing, have your property management firm or working with a third-party team, this framework helps you sequence improvements for maximum impact—operationally and financially.

Join us as we explore:

• The very first thing to address before you even close on the property
  
  
• Why tackling deferred maintenance and improving curb appeal should happen before pushing rents
  
  
• How to build goodwill with tenants before issuing rent increases or implementing fees
  
  
• The most strategic time to renovate and lease units for maximum rent bumps
  
  
• The often-overlooked optimization layer that separates average operators from great ones.

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

Wondering why some real estate investors scale rapidly while others stay stuck for years? The answer is much simpler than you think.

In this quick solo episode, I break down the one fundamental difference that sets fast-scaling investors apart—and how you can apply it to accelerate your own portfolio growth. Whether you're just starting or looking to break through a plateau, this is the five-minute mindset shift you need.

Join us as we dive into:

• The two-part formula that powers rapid growth in real estate investing
• Why finding great deals is always the starting point—no matter your experience
• How high-leverage debt or equity partners can multiply your progress
• Why refining your underwriting model isn’t what moves the needle early on
• How combining deal flow with access to capital becomes rocket fuel for scaling

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

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Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

In this episode, we sit down to talk through a challenge many investors are facing: how to confidently make investment decisions amid global tension, economic uncertainty, and nonstop headlines.

Drawing from recent conversations with LPs and operators, Axel unpacks the mindset shifts and practical tactics investors can use to stay focused and make sound decisions—regardless of market noise or world events.

Join us as we dive into:

• Why uncertain markets often create some of the best opportunities
• A practical framework for controlling what you can control: market, asset type, deal structure, and more
• The difference between data-driven underwriting and fear-based hesitation
• A mindset shift that helps you avoid binary “invest or don’t invest” thinking
• Why young investors in particular should consider getting in the game—even if things feel uncertain

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

Follow him on Instagram
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners, to break down the three most common objections sellers give—and exactly how to respond to them effectively. Whether you're negotiating direct-to-seller deals or just want to sharpen your acquisition skills, this solo episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Plus, Axel shares the launch of the New Hampshire Multifamily Fund III, a new investment vehicle that gives investors access to small multifamily deals that are typically not easy to access due to their size and complexity.

Join us as we dive into:

• The 3 most common seller objections—and why they come up so frequently
• How to respond to "I'm not ready to sell" without alienating the opportunity
• What to say when sellers don’t want tenants to know a sale is happening
• Why pricing objections are rarely about numbers—and how to use data to reset expectations

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

NH Multifamily Fund III Details:

Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund III

Access The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund III

Connect with Axel:

Follow him on Instagram
Connect with him on Linkedin
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners

In this episode, we sit down with Axel Ragnarsson, for a practical solo breakdown of three overlooked financial advantages of hiring a property management company.

While most investors think of property management as a time-saving decision, Axel explains how the right PM can also improve your bottom line through better vendor pricing, optimized leasing, and built-in bookkeeping systems. If you're self-managing—or thinking about doing so—this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as we dive into:

• How experienced PMs get better pricing from contractors and vendors through scale
  
  
• The advantage of real-time rent comps from PMs who are constantly leasing units in your market
  
  
• Why your PM is also your built-in bookkeeper—and how that compares to hiring one separately
  
  
• The collections advantage that professional PMs bring over self-managing landlords
  
  
• Why even small portfolios benefit financially from third-party management (if you choose the right one)

Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.

Connect with Axel:

Follow him on Instagram
Connect with him on Linkedin
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Learn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners