Podcast
The Multifamily Hour Podcast
Hosted by Axel Ragnarsson · EN
The Multifamily Hour (formerly The Multifamily Wealth Podcast) features Axel Ragnarsson in conversation with successful real estate investors, breaking down how they're navigating today's evolving multifamily market to start, build, and scale their businesses. Each episode delivers tactical, current, and actionable insights to help listeners grow their business and real estate portfolio.
46episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#313: Three Pieces of News/Data Informing Our Approach To Investing in 2026... Declining Rents, Higher Home Sales, and Impending Legislation
Jan 1300:19:57Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Axel breaks down three specific pieces of news and data that are directly informing how his team is thinking about multifamily investing decisions in 2026.Axel also explains why increased single-family home sales can actually be a positive signal for rental demand, why nationwide rent declines, even in historically strong markets are changing underwriting assumptions, and why investors must now treat political and regulatory risk as a core part of market selection.If you’re planning acquisitions, evaluating risk, or adjusting operations heading into 2026, this episode provides a practical framework for how to interpret today’s data—and what to do with it.Join us as we dive into:Why higher single-family home sales can actually support rental demandWhat this tells us about supply, demand, and realistic rent growth assumptions.How legislative and political risk is becoming unavoidable in market selectionWhy private property rights should now be treated like any other core investment metricWhy more people moving and transacting is often a sign of housing market health.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 IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#312: Vetting Partners, Importance of Transparency, and Diving Into The Pros and Cons of Preferred Equity with Steeve Breton
Jan 600:45:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Axel sits down with Steeve Breton, Founder of Velocity Capital Partners, to break down what long-term multifamily investors need to understand about partner selection, transparency with investors, and the growing role of preferred equity and structured capital in today’s market.Steeve shares his journey from buying small duplexes in New England to sponsoring and investing in 25+ large multifamily and development deals across the U.S. The conversation dives deep into how partnerships evolve over time, what can go wrong when alignment breaks down, and why control and transparency have become non-negotiables in today’s environment.The episode also includes an in-depth, tactical discussion on preferred equity and structured equity, including when it makes sense for sponsors, how it protects LPs, and how it’s being used to solve real capital stack challenges in a tougher fundraising market.If you’re a sponsor navigating partnerships, raising capital in today’s environment, or considering preferred equity as part of your deal structure, this episode is packed with real-world insight.Join us as we dive into:Steeve’s path from small local rentals to large-scale multifamily investingWhy partner quality matters more than market selectionHard-earned lessons from partnerships that didn’t work outHow to properly vet partners (including background checks and gut instincts)Why radical transparency is becoming essential for raising capitalHow preferred equity and structured equity actually workThe role preferred equity plays in protecting LPs during stressed periodsWhen preferred equity makes sense for sponsors — and when it doesn’tMarket conditions and deal types Steeve is avoiding todayHow today’s supply dynamics are impacting underwriting and risk assessmentAre 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 IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Steeve:Connect with him on LinkedinLearn more about Velocity Capital Partners
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#311: Sharing 8 Predictions + Trends for 2026 That Multifamily Investors Need To Be Aware Of
Dec 3000:22:37Tap to summarizeIn this final episode of 2025, Axel shares eight forward-looking predictions and trends that multifamily investors need to be aware of as we head into 2026.Moving beyond the generic predictions found in major publications, Axel focuses on the data-driven reality of the 2026 market. This isn't about following optimistic forecasts; it’s about mapping a strategy based on the actual trends and ground-level shifts we are seeing as 2025 draws to a close.These insights aren't coming from a crystal ball, but from the practical realities we are actively using to shape our own investment strategy for the year ahead.If you’re planning acquisitions, dispositions, or operational changes in 2026, this episode provides a practical framework for adjusting expectations and positioning your business accordingly.The 8 Predictions Covered in This Episode#1: Real estate is becoming a highly politicized asset class#2: C-class valuations will struggle to rebound#3: Light value-add becomes the new standard#4: The property management divide will explode#5: The market trades more efficiently (especially for smaller assets)#6: Price beats amenities in B/C class assets#7: The homeownership gap widens#8: Multifamily valuations stay flatThe investors who understand these shifts and position accordingly will be the ones who generate returns in 2026. The ones who keep underwriting (and more importantly, operating assets) like it's 2022-2025 are going to struggle.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 IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#310: Growing From a Duplex to 900+ Units and Bringing Management In-House (And The Challenges of Doing So) with Lee Yoder
Dec 2300:48:01Tap to summarizeAxel sits down once again with Lee Yoder, founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing, to unpack the full journey of scaling from a single duplex to 900+ multifamily units and the hard lessons learned along the way.Lee walks through how he gradually built his portfolio, why he ultimately decided to bring property management in-house, and the unexpected challenges that came with making that transition. He shares what worked, what didn’t, and the mistakes he would avoid if he were starting over today.The conversation then dives deep into team building, operational systems, cash flow discipline, and why in-house management isn’t a shortcut but a long-term strategic decision that requires patience, capital, and leadership. This is an honest, tactical discussion for operators considering vertical integration or looking to improve execution as they scale.Join us as we dive into:How Lee scaled from a duplex to 900+ units over timeWhy he chose to bring property management in-houseThe biggest operational and leadership challenges of vertical integrationThe true costs, financial and emotional of running your own PM companyHow in-house management changes decision-making and accountabilityWhat Lee would do differently if he were starting again todayAre 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 IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate PartnersConnect with Lee:Connect with him on LinkedinLearn more about Threefold Real Estate Investing
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#292: Everyone Talks About Why Location Is Critical... But What Does That actually Mean When Underwriting Deals?
Aug 1200:18:38Tap to summarizeWe’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 locationThe “ripple effect” location has on demand, resident retention, and NOIHow location impacts your renovation scope and the rent premiums you can achieveWhy better-located properties often deliver a higher dollar per hour return on your time—even with slightly lower projected IRRsAre 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 InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#291: Spend 30 Minutes a Week on These 3 Activities If You Want To Find More Multifamily Deals
Aug 5, 202500:07:53Tap to summarizeStruggling 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 networkHow to use social media (even if you're not active) to stay visible to brokers, investors, and operatorsA simple monthly newsletter strategy that keeps you relevant without sellingHow these activities fit into a “less than 1 hour/week” routineWhy most investors miss these basics and what to do insteadAre 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 InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
Transcribe →#290: Talking Current Events: The Growing Competition in Small Multifamily... Get it While The Getting is Good!
Jul 22, 202500:21:11Tap to summarizeThere’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 capitalThe key market forces driving increased efficiency in this once “inefficient” nicheHow technology is making scattered-site management easier and more cost-effectiveWhat the generational shift in ownership means for deal flow and pricingWhy today’s edge (deal sourcing, operations, capital structure) may not exist in 5 yearsThe urgent case for doubling down before this opportunity narrows even moreAre 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 IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Axel:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#289: The 5-Step Value-Add Process We Follow After Buying a Multifamily Property
Jul 15, 202500:12:53Tap to summarizeEver 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 propertyWhy tackling deferred maintenance and improving curb appeal should happen before pushing rentsHow to build goodwill with tenants before issuing rent increases or implementing feesThe most strategic time to renovate and lease units for maximum rent bumpsThe 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:Follow him on InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#288: In 5 Minutes I Explain The One Thing That Separates Investors Who Rapidly Scale Vs. Those That Don't
Jul 8, 202500:07:00Tap to summarizeWondering 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 investingWhy finding great deals is always the starting point—no matter your experienceHow high-leverage debt or equity partners can multiply your progressWhy refining your underwriting model isn’t what moves the needle early onHow combining deal flow with access to capital becomes rocket fuel for scalingAre 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 InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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#287: Struggling To Make Confident Investment Decisions During This Time of World/Economic Uncertainty? Here Are Some Mindset Shifts and Tactical Tips To Help
Jul 1, 202500:17:15Tap to summarizeIn 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 opportunitiesA practical framework for controlling what you can control: market, asset type, deal structure, and moreThe difference between data-driven underwriting and fear-based hesitationA mindset shift that helps you avoid binary “invest or don’t invest” thinkingWhy young investors in particular should consider getting in the game—even if things feel uncertainAre 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 InstagramConnect with him on LinkedinSubscribe to our YouTube channelLearn more about Aligned Real Estate Partners
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