Apogee Wealth Podcast: Wealth, Business & Life By Design

Why are partnerships so important in multifamily investing?In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Morehead and Kevin McCarthy from Westline Equity to talk about their journeys into real estate, how they built their partnership, and what they’ve learned from getting into larger multifamily deals. Ryan brings decades of experience in multifamily property management, brokerage, and family real estate operations, while Kevin started with small single-family and multifamily properties before scaling into larger deals.We talk about why multifamily is rarely a solo business, how the right partners can help you move faster, and why each person on a team needs to bring a different skill set to the table. Ryan and Kevin share how Westline Equity came together, how they think about underwriting, acquisitions, capital raising, mentorship, and why building a strong team has been one of the biggest keys to their growth.We also get into their first large multifamily deal, the challenges they faced with lending, operations, seller communication, and investor updates, and the lessons they took from that experience. Toward the end, we discuss why they’re excited about the Dallas-Fort Worth market today, what they’re seeing in current valuations, and what advice they would give to investors who are just getting started.   Timestamp 00:00 Intro 01:05 Meet Ryan Morehead and Kevin McCarthy 02:06 Kevin’s journey from single-family investing to multifamily 04:45 Ryan’s background in multifamily property management 07:24 Why investors do not need to start with 100-unit deals 08:55 Why partnerships matter in multifamily investing 13:48 The role of mentorship in real estate 17:37 Lessons from their first large multifamily deal 21:12 Conservative underwriting and investor communication 25:01 Finding deals and raising capital 28:52 The future of Westline Equity 32:27 Why DFW may be a strong buying opportunity 37:25 Advice for new multifamily investors   What We Cover Ryan and Kevin’s different paths into real estate investing Scaling from smaller properties into larger multifamily deals Why partnerships are critical in commercial real estate How Westline Equity was formed The value of mentorship and coaching Lessons from a difficult first large multifamily acquisition Why conservative underwriting matters How to think about acquisitions and capital raising Current opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth multifamily market   Key Takeaways Multifamily investing is a team sport The best partnerships combine different strengths and skill sets Mentorship can help shorten the learning curve and avoid costly mistakes Conservative underwriting matters most when challenges show up Strong investor communication builds trust during difficult transactions Today’s DFW market may offer strong buying opportunities for disciplined investors   Guest Resources Check their website: https://westlineequity.com/ Connect with Ryan Morehead on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-morehead/ Contact Ryan: [email protected] Contact Kevin: [email protected]   Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

Planning to become a general partner in multifamily real estate?In this episode, I break down what it actually looks like to become an active investor in multifamily real estate, especially if your goal is to become a general partner on larger commercial deals. I explain the difference between limited partners and general partners, what each role is responsible for, and why being a GP is not as passive as many people think.I walk through the main responsibilities of a general partner, including acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management. I also share the common paths people take to get into their first multifamily deal, whether that means scaling up from smaller rentals, finding your own deal, or joining an experienced sponsor as a co-GP.I also share part of my own journey from single-family investing into multifamily syndications, why mentorship helped Paula and me get started, and how Apogee Advisory now helps new and experienced investors build the skills, confidence, and network needed to grow in this business. If you want to move from passive interest to active participation in multifamily investing, this episode will give you a clearer starting point.   Timestamp 00:00 Intro 00:34 Who this episode is for 01:41 What is a multifamily syndication 02:55 Limited partners vs general partners 03:40 Why being a GP is not passive 04:26 The main roles of a general partner 05:47 Capital raising in multifamily deals 07:16 Asset management and deal execution 08:03 How to get started as a general partner 10:48 Finding your first deal or joining as a co-GP 13:39 My journey from single-family to multifamily investing 16:02 Apogee Advisory, mentorship, and mastermind programs 18:24 The reality of being active in multifamily investing 19:21 When being an LP may be the better fit   What I Cover The difference between LPs and GPs in multifamily syndications What a general partner actually does on a deal Why acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management matter How new investors can get into their first multifamily deal Why raising capital is often the easiest way to bring value as a co-GP My own path from single-family investing to multifamily syndications How mentorship and masterminds can help shorten the learning curve Why being a GP requires real responsibility, risk, and active involvement   Key Takeaways Being a general partner is an active role, not a passive investment Multifamily syndications usually involve both limited partners and general partners The three main GP roles are acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management New investors often get started by joining an experienced sponsor as a co-GP Raising capital can be one of the clearest ways to provide value on a deal Mentorship can help new investors avoid mistakes and build confidence faster If you do not want the responsibility of running deals, being an LP may be a better fit   Resources Join my Mentorship Program (1:1 coaching for active multifamily investors) - https://apogeemfc.mykajabi.com/mentorship Join my Mastermind Program (For serious multifamily investors building skills, network, and relationships) - https://apogeemfc.mykajabi.com/mastermind  Download my free ebook: Achieving Financial Freedom Through Multifamily Investing - https://www.apogeemfc.com/ebook  Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

What opportunities are multifamily investors seeing in today’s market and what should investors be paying attention to heading into 2026? In this episode, Marcus Long and I break down the current state of the multifamily market, including interest rates, distressed opportunities, refinancing challenges, transaction trends, and what we’re seeing as active operators in today’s environment. We also share several real-world case studies from our own portfolio, and walk through how we approached acquisitions, asset management, refinancing, and exits in a difficult market cycle. We talk about why today’s market conditions are creating unique buying opportunities, how higher interest rates have impacted multifamily operators, and why broker relationships, strong asset management, and conservative underwriting matter more than ever right now. We also discuss why we remain optimistic about multifamily investing this 2026, particularly in markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. Head on to our YouTube channel to see the graphs: https://youtu.be/dUO4RWoM_OY Timestamp 00:00 Intro 00:32 Multifamily investing State of the Union 03:43 Track record and NOI growth across past deals 05:11 Interest rates and how they impact real estate 08:15 Cap rates, Treasury yields, and rental demand 11:30 Multifamily transactions, distress, and refinance risk 15:20 2025 strategy and portfolio case studies 15:55 Parkside Apartments refinance and 50% capital return 17:46 Sierra Condos full-cycle exit 19:12 Townhouse Apartments acquisition story 22:57 2026 multifamily acquisition strategy 26:20 What investors can control in today’s market What We Cover Interest rates and their impact on multifamily investing Cap rates, refinancing, and distressed opportunities Why 2026 may create strong buying opportunities Real-world case studies from our portfolio Asset management and operational execution Market selection and underwriting strategy Broker relationships and finding off-market deals What passive investors should understand today Key Takeaways Market challenges often create the best long-term opportunities Strong asset management can dramatically improve property performance Conservative underwriting matters even more during uncertain markets Relationships drive deal flow in multifamily investing Long-term fixed-rate debt reduces risk during volatile cycles Investors who stay disciplined during difficult markets are often rewarded later Resources Upcoming Webinar: How to Earn Double-Digit Returns Investing In Real Estate SyndicationsSave your seat here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-earn-double-digit-returns-investing-in-real-estate-syndications-tickets-1990380478591 Join my Mentorship Program (1:1 coaching for active multifamily investors) - https://apogeemfc.mykajabi.com/mentorship Join my Mastermind Program (For serious multifamily investors building skills, network, and relationships) - https://apogeemfc.mykajabi.com/mastermind  Download my free ebook: Achieving Financial Freedom Through Multifamily Investing - https://www.apogeemfc.com/ebook   Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

How do you build wealth in real estate without trying to do everything yourself?In this episode, I sit down with Marcus Long, husband, father, Founder of A Long Legacy Capital, and one of my long-time business partners. After 21 years as a Naval Officer, Marcus transitioned into real estate full-time and has invested across single-family rentals, private lending, a cattle farm, and as a General Partner on over 1,600 multifamily units.We talk about how Marcus moved from building a smaller rental portfolio to partnering on larger multifamily deals, and why partnerships are such a critical part of scaling in commercial real estate. Marcus shares how to think about choosing the right partners, understanding your role in a deal, and finding investment strategies that actually align with your goals.We also get into raising capital, educating investors, evaluating markets, and the bigger purpose behind building wealth. Marcus shares how the idea of legacy shapes his work, his family, and the way he serves others through financial education and the 7 Figure Foundation.Timestamp 00:00 Intro 00:49 Marcus Long and his real estate journey 04:31 From military service to multifamily investing 07:39 How to find the right real estate partners 12:05 The key roles in multifamily syndications 13:31 Today’s multifamily market opportunities 19:08 How Marcus evaluates real estate markets 21:15 Raising capital and building investor trust 24:56 Real estate vs other investment strategies 28:38 Building wealth, legacy, and purpose 34:35 Advice for new real estate investorsWhat We Cover Marcus’s journey from the Navy to multifamily investing Scaling from single-family rentals to larger multifamily deals The importance of partnerships in commercial real estate How to evaluate potential investing partners Multifamily market opportunities today Raising capital and educating investors Real estate compared to stocks and private lending Building wealth with purpose and legacy in mind Key Takeaways Multifamily investing is a team sport that requires strong partnerships Understanding your strengths helps you find the right role in a deal Market timing and discipline matter in real estate investing Different investment strategies serve different financial goals Real estate provides multiple wealth-building advantages through cash flow, appreciation, leverage, and tax benefits Building wealth creates more options to positively impact others Connect with Marcus: Website: https://alonglegacy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-long-22278391/ Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

What does it take to survive and succeed in multifamily real estate during one of the toughest markets in recent years?In this episode, I sit down with Bruce Fraser, Managing Partner at Elkhorn Capital Partners and former hedge fund manager, to talk about the realities of multifamily investing in today’s environment. Bruce shares how his background in macroeconomics and managing public market investments shaped his approach to real estate, why he sold all of his partnership’s real estate holdings before the 2008 housing crash, and how that experience influences the way he invests today.We talk about why Elkhorn focuses on distressed acquisitions, the risks of floating rate debt, and why Bruce believes many investors underestimated the dangers of the last market cycle. We also break down why Oklahoma became a major focus market for Elkhorn, how they approach buying broken properties, and why bringing property management in-house became one of the most important decisions for their business.We also get into interest rates, inflation, market cycles, forced appreciation, and what investors should actually be paying attention to in today’s market. If you want a more data-driven and macro-focused perspective on multifamily investing, this episode is packed with insight from someone who has successfully navigated multiple market cycles. Timestamp 00:00 Meet Bruce Fraser and Elkhorn Capital Partners 01:27 From hedge fund manager to multifamily investing 04:34 Why Bruce chose Oklahoma over Dallas 07:35 Distressed multifamily acquisitions explained 08:52 Why floating-rate debt hurt so many operators 10:51 Buying distressed assets and forcing appreciation 12:24 Why Elkhorn brought property management in-house 17:53 Real estate versus the stock market as a long-term investment 23:01 How in-house management drives expense reduction and forced appreciation 25:03 What Bruce is seeing in the multifamily market today and why he is buying 29:57 Where interest rates are headed and what it means for real estate investors 33:56 Advice for anyone just getting started in real estate investing What We Cover Why Bruce sold all his real estate before the 2008 crash, and how he decided when to get back in How Elkhorn evaluates distressed assets and why Bruce sees them as lower risk than traditional value add Why Oklahoma outperforms DFW on several key metrics most investors overlook What bringing property management in-house actually did for revenue and occupancy How to think about allocating between the stock market and real estate What the current market looks like for buyers and where the real opportunities are How Bruce thinks about interest rate risk and why he only uses fixed-rate debt Key Takeaways Market cycles create opportunities for disciplined investors Fixed-rate debt can protect operators during volatile periods Population growth and affordability matter more than hype Distressed assets can create significant upside when managed correctly Property management can directly impact investment performance Long-term investors should focus on data, not market emotions Guest Resources Check out Bruce’s website: https://elkhornpartners.com/ Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-fraser-304120/ Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/ ✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

What does it actually take to survive and keep buying multifamily deals in today’s market?   In this episode, I sit down with Reed Goossens, an Australian real estate entrepreneur, investor, author, and public speaker who moved to the US in 2012 and has since been involved in the acquisition of over $650 million worth of US real estate. Reed also hosts the Investing in the U.S. Podcast, where he interviews top real estate investors to help educate entrepreneurs looking to break into the US market.   We get into how the multifamily market got to where it is today, what smart operators are doing differently right now, and why Reed believes this is still one of the best buying opportunities in recent memory. He also shares how he has been getting creative with capital raising, why he started acquiring accounting firms alongside multifamily, and what the 1031 exchange landscape actually looks like for sponsors trying to close deals today.   If you want a real conversation about what’s happening in multifamily today from operators still actively in the market, this episode is packed with valuable insight.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Reed Goossens and RSN Property Group 00:45 How an Australian engineer ended up in US multifamily real estate 02:32 Why multifamily at scale only exists in the United States 04:41 How the multifamily market changed over the last decade 07:32 How technology transformed commercial real estate investing 08:13 Multifamily investing vs buying small businesses 10:54 What LPs and GPs should look for in deals today 13:04 What strong asset management looks like in a soft market 16:36 Raising capital in today’s environment 19:38 How 1031 exchange investors fit into a syndication deal 25:31 What Reed sees coming in multifamily over the next five years 25:57 Advice for newer investors just getting started in real estate   What We Cover How the multifamily market got to where it is today and what changed along the way What operators are doing differently to survive and thrive in a tough market How to evaluate deals as both an LP and a GP in today's environment What creative capital raising looks like when traditional equity sources dry up How 1031 exchanges work inside a syndication and why timing is everything Why Reed started acquiring accounting firms and how it connects to real estate Practical advice for newer investors who feel overwhelmed by the space   Key Takeaways Large scale multifamily at the level available in the US does not exist anywhere else in the world Positive leverage means your going in cap rate is higher than your interest rate, and that gap is where returns come from Setting realistic rent projections is one of the most important things you can do for your operations and your staff Capital raising today requires cobbling together institutional money, 1031 exchanges, and retail LP equity to make deals work For every six investor conversations today, only one person is actually investing, compared to one out of two before the correction Real estate is a medium to long term investment, doubling your money in 10 years is a win Diversifying across sponsors and asset classes is just as important as the deals themselves   Hit follow or subscribe wherever you're listening, and I'll see you in the next episode!   Guest Resources Connect with Reed: Website: https://rsnpropertygroup.com/ Podcast: Investing in the U.S. Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedgoossens/   Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

Are you interested in learning about investing but don't know where to start?In this episode, I break down the basics of real estate investing and why it has been one of the most consistent wealth-building vehicles for centuries. If you've been curious about real estate but feel unsure about how it actually works, this episode is for you.I walk through the core reasons why people have invested in real estate for generations, how a property actually makes money, and why treating it like a business changes how you approach it entirely. I also get into the power of leverage, the tax advantages most people don't talk about, and what separates investors who build real wealth from those who just chase it.I also break down the most common strategies for getting into real estate, from single-family rentals to large-scale multifamily to passive investing through syndications, and share the honest risks and realities that every investor needs to understand going in.Chapters 00:00 Real estate investing for beginners 01:33 Why real estate builds long-term wealth 03:13 What makes real estate a hard asset 04:40 How real estate generates cash flow and why it acts like a business 05:34 How to use leverage to increase your investment returns 07:50 Tax advantages of real estate investing 10:37 The 4 ways real estate makes money for investors 15:07 Real estate investing strategies explained 17:02 Multifamily vs single-family real estate investing 19:46 Short-term rentals, fix and flips, and passive investing through syndications 23:53 Risks of real estate investing every investor should know 26:14 How to build wealth through real estate long termWhat I Cover Why real estate has been a proven wealth-building tool for generations The 4 ways a property generates returns for investors The most common real estate strategies and who each one is right for The risks and realities of investing in real estate Why patience and discipline matter more than most people think Key Takeaways Real estate is not a get-rich-quick strategy, it rewards those who play the long game It is a business that produces cash flow, not just a passive investment Leverage and tax advantages are two of the most powerful tools available to real estate investors Every strategy has tradeoffs and the best one depends on your goals Long-term thinking is what separates investors who build wealth from those who chase it   Hit follow or subscribe wherever you're listening, and I'll see you in the next episode!   Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

What does it really look like to go from a corporate job to building a multifamily investing business? In this episode, I sit down with Paula Nichols, co-founder of Apogee Capital, to share how we made the transition from corporate careers into real estate investing. What started as a side project quickly turned into something much bigger, and in this conversation, we walk through how that journey unfolded and what it actually took to build it into a business. We go beyond the surface of real estate investing and talk about what really happens behind the scenes, from asset management and executing business plans to working with investors and making decisions that directly impact performance. We also share the parts most people do not see, the discipline, tradeoffs, and level of involvement required to actually deliver results. If you are looking to understand how multifamily investing actually works and what it takes to do it well, this episode will give you a clear starting point.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:00 From hobby to building a real estate business 04:00 What asset management really looks like 06:30 The hardest part of managing deals 08:30 Who is the ideal investor 09:45 Real estate vs. stock market investing 11:20 Questions every LP should ask before investing 13:30 Apogee Capital overview 14:00 GP vs. LP: Which path is right for you 16:50 Market outlook and opportunities ahead 19:20 Vision for Apogee and building impact 22:40 Advice for new investors 26:00 What it really takes behind the scenes 28:30 Life outside of real estate   What We Cover Our journey into multifamily investing What asset management actually involves Real estate vs. stock market investing How to evaluate a deal and a sponsor Active vs. passive investing What it takes to operate deals successfully   Key Takeaways It’s not just about how much you make, but how much you keep Real estate can complement traditional investments like stocks Execution is what drives results in real estate The right team matters more than most people think Your investing strategy should match your time and goals   Guest Resources Connect with Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulanichols16/   Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!   Connect With Me 🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact

Welcome to the Apogee Wealth Podcast. I’m Jonathan Nichols, an aerospace engineer turned multifamily investor and founder of Apogee Capital.Each Wednesday, you’ll hear conversations with experienced investors, operators, and industry experts about what actually goes into building wealth with purpose, creating passive income, and investing with more clarity.In this first episode, I’m sharing why I started this podcast, how my wife and I got started in real estate investing, and what you can expect from future episodes.We’ll cover topics around investing, passive income, multifamily real estate, building wealth, and creating a life of significance and legacy.Hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!Connect With Me🌍 Website: https://www.apogeemfc.com/📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/multifamilyengineer💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-nichols45/✉️ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.apogeemfc.com/contact