Podcast
Multifamily Real Estate Investing
Hosted by Presented by Mara Poling · EN
Join new hosts The Laurens each week and learn the ins and outs of multifamily real estate investing. Episodes include everything from expert guest interviews to deep dives on trends shaping the multifamily real estate industry. Don’t forget to catch up on past seasons featuring Pat Poling of Mara Poling and be sure to check out The Learning Center on our website!
Questions? Have a hot topic you'd like us to discuss? Are you a multifamily real estate SME or investor and want to be guest on the pod?
Email us at podcast@marapoling.com
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside AppFolio: Building the Systems Behind Our Investor Experience
Apr 700:40:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we go behind the scenes of what it actually takes to deliver a seamless investor experience—and why we made the transition to AppFolio Investment Manager. Co-hosts Lauren Torres and Lauren Messina of Multi-Family Real Estate Investing presented by Mara Poling break down how growing a platform means rethinking the systems that support it.As we’ve scaled, so has the complexity of managing investor relationships, financial reporting, and data across multiple funds and investments. What worked early on—spreadsheets, manual processes, and email—simply doesn’t scale without introducing risk and inefficiencies.In this episode, we walk through what building that infrastructure really involves: • Cleaning and migrating historical data • Structuring funds, entities, and investor relationships • Accurately tracking capital accounts, distributions, and preferred returns • Creating a reporting engine that delivers clarity and consistencyWe also cover what this means for our investors—from a more transparent dashboard and centralized documents to a consolidated view across investments.This conversation is designed for both sides of the table: • Investors looking for greater visibility and confidence • Operators building systems that can support long-term growthBecause ultimately, the investor experience is a direct reflection of the systems behind it.
Transcribe →We Get By with a Little Help from Our Lenders
Apr 100:41:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens after the loan closes is just as important as getting the deal done. In this episode, The Laurens take a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing relationship with lenders—and why it plays a critical role in the success of a multifamily investment.We walk through the key requirements lenders expect post-closing, including regular financial reporting, monitoring DSCR, managing tax and insurance escrows, and navigating annual inspections. More importantly, we explain how these processes create structure, accountability, and an added layer of oversight that ultimately benefits investors.We also discuss what happens when performance doesn’t go according to plan, and why proactive communication with lenders can make all the difference. Strong lender relationships aren’t just about compliance—they’re about partnership, discipline, and protecting long-term value.
Transcribe →Who’s Buying Multifamily Right Now with Matt Wideman
Mar 1000:35:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe multifamily market has shifted significantly over the past two years — but deals are still getting done. The question is: who is actually buying, and how are they getting deals across the finish line?In this episode, Matt Wideman, Managing Director at Berkadia, shares what he’s seeing from the front lines of multifamily transactions. We discuss who is actively acquiring assets today, how pricing and cap rate expectations have reset, and what separates buyers who are winning deals from those who aren’t.Matt also pulls back the curtain on what’s happening behind the scenes from listing to closing, how financing and capital stacks have evolved, and what investors should be paying attention to as the market continues to adjust.
Transcribe →Breaking Down an Asset’s Cash Flow
Feb 1700:38:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Multi-Family Real Estate Investing by Mara Poling, Lauren Torres takes us beyond the pro-forma headline and breaks down what actually drives an asset’s cash flow. From revenue assumptions and vacancy to operating expenses, debt service, capital expenditures, and reserves, we walk through what must be forecasted — and what too many asset managers overlook. In a 2026 market where discipline matters, understanding cash flow at the asset level isn’t optional, it's necessary.
Transcribe →2026 Outlook with Pat Poling
Feb 1000:33:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, co-hosts The Laurens sit down with founder Pat Poling for a candid outlook on the year ahead. Drawing on decades of experience across multiple market cycles, Pat shares how he’s thinking about today’s multifamily landscape, what feels different about this moment, and how investors can navigate the current environment with clarity.The conversation explores market sentiment versus fundamentals, lessons from past cycles, evolving return expectations, and Mara Poling’s priorities for 2026 as the firm balances capital preservation with preparedness for future opportunities.
Transcribe →The People Behind the Property
Feb 300:54:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, The Laurens take listeners behind the scenes of a multifamily property to break down the people who physically operate it every day. From property management firm accounting teams to maintenance technicians, leasing consultants and regional managers, they discuss the role each group plays and how these teams work together to support property performance.The conversation highlights how ownership interacts with on-site and regional teams, why alignment and communication matter at every level, and how strong execution on the ground ultimately drives results in multifamily real estate.
Transcribe →Apartments Are a People Business (Even in an AI World)
Jan 2000:36:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAI and technology are everywhere—but apartment communities are still run by people.In this episode, The Laurens talk about what technology is actually changing in multifamily, what it isn’t, and why roles like maintenance technicians and on-site managers can’t be replaced by software. They discuss where AI genuinely helps operators do their jobs better, where it’s overhyped, and what it really takes to run well-performing properties in a physical, real-world business.This is a practical, grounded conversation about the human side of multifamily in an increasingly digital world.
Transcribe →Managing Unplanned CapEx with John Jones
Jan 1300:47:56Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEvery real estate investment eventually faces unexpected capital expenses. The difference between good and great operators is how they respond.In this episode, The Laurens are joined by Mara Poling’s Director of Operations, John Jones, to discuss how the firm handles major, unplanned CapEx events. They walk through how decisions are made when something breaks, how funding sources are evaluated, how monthly cash flow and reserves are managed, and how the investment plan is reforecasted to stay aligned with long-term goals.This episode is a practical look at how risk is managed in real-world multifamily ownership.
Transcribe →Metrics That Matter
Jan 600:34:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs we head into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reset the scoreboard.In this episode, The Laurens walk through the most important metrics they watch across the Mara Poling portfolio — the numbers that actually drive performance, guide decisions, and protect investor capital.From occupancy and collections to expenses, NOI, and cash reserves, they explain what each metric really tells you, why it matters in today’s market, and how these numbers shape day-to-day operations.If you’ve ever looked at your quarterly report and wondered what really matters most, this episode gives you the operator’s perspective on how performance is measured — and managed — going into 2026.
Transcribe →New Year, Same Assets
Dec 2300:33:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA new year doesn’t always mean new deals — sometimes it means operating the assets you already own better.In this episode, The Laurens say goodbye to 2025 and kick off the new year by breaking down what actually changes when experienced operators reset their approach. From the resolutions our portfolios would make themselves, to the habits we’re leaving behind, we dig into how smarter decisions, tighter systems, and proactive asset management can drive real performance — without chasing shiny new acquisitions.We cover the skills owner-operators are sharpening this year, the meetings and processes that no longer serve us, and where being proactive beats reacting every time. If your goal this year is fewer surprises, better execution, and stronger returns from the assets you already have, this conversation sets the tone for the year ahead.Perfect for operators and investors focused on discipline, clarity, and long-term value creation.
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