From Fix-and-Flip to $225M: August Biniaz on Multifamily, BTR, and Cross-Border Capital - Episode 364

Real-estate operator August Biniaz (Co-Founder & CIO, CPI Capital) breaks down how he grew from agent and small developer to closing $225M+ in multifamily assets—plus the boutique advantages that win in today's market: cross-border investor structures, a mid-market acquisition lane ($20–$50M), and ruthless underwriting discipline (rent growth, exit caps, and debt selection). We cover value-add vs BTR, lessons from deals walked away from, and why talent, conservative debt, and 95% occupancy targets matter more than spreadsheets.   Highlights The mid-market moat: Why 100–300 doors, LP economics first: Targeting 15–20% average annualized returns and passing the "net-to-investor" test before bidding. Underwriting levers that kill deals: Keeping organic rent growth to ~2.5%–3%, and being conservative on exit cap rates. Debt is destiny: Why fixed, interest-only 5-year debt reduces "debt distress" risk. Boutique advantage: Direct access to principals, tight asset management, investor dinners, and hands-on ops. Cross-border structure: How Canadian LPs invest into U.S. deals while avoiding double taxation and using registered retirement funds (via MFT). Lessons learned: "Best deals are often the ones you walk away from," plus "hire slow, fire fast.   Enjoyed this? Subscribe to The Practical Wealth Show, share with an investor friend, and book a discovery chat to map your cashflow and capital strategy.   Links and Resources from this Episode https://www.practicalwealthadvisors.com https://www.practicalwealthsolutions.net/ Email Curtis for a free report - [email protected]  Call his office - 610-622-3121 ERC Tax Credit - https://ercspecialists.com?fpr=curtis75 Schedule a call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession CashFlow Mapping: https://practicalwealth.cashflowmapping.com/lp/PWbudgetsstink  Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com  Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com  How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://link.agent-crm.com/widget/quiz/XJwH7kM0wWxYB1KICcOW  Connect with August  Biniaz [email protected]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz  Company: cpicapital.ca  Newsletter: cpicapital.cpicapital.ca/newsletter  Investor scheduling: meetings.hubspot.com/a  Phone: +1 (604) 363-4797 Special Listener Gift Schedule a 15-Minute Call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession   Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here   Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Click here to subscribe with Apple Podcasts  Click here to subscribe with Spotify Click here to subscribe with RSS