Multifamily Insights Podcast

Cindy Beier is the founder of Emerald Peak Holdings and CNS Management, with over 30 years of experience in real estatefrom new construction sales to live-in flips to multifamily investing. After starting as a real estate agent and property manager, Cindy transitioned into syndications where she now raises capital, manages assets, and helps others enter the world of passive investing. Shes also passionate about educating women in real estate and runs local investor meetups to foster community and mentorship.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Cindy transitioned from hands-on property management to passive multifamily investing after experiencing the stress of managing single-family rentals.

• She began investing as an LP and quickly became a GP by bringing in capital and leveraging her network.

• Multifamily syndications offered her better returns and fewer headaches than her actively managed single-family portfolio.

• She encourages other agents and non-investors to explore passive investing through syndications.

• Mastermind communities played a major role in accelerating her education and confidence as an investor.

Topics

From Realtor to Real Estate Investor

• Cindys journey started after serving in the Air Force and discovering real estate through answering phones at a brokerage.

• Became a licensed agent, ran a brokerage, and eventually got inspired by an investor who built wealth one property at a time.

• Bought several single-family homes, including a short-term rental, before shifting her focus to multifamily.

Why Multifamily and Syndications Made Sense

• Tired of managing repairs, maintenance calls, and vendors herself.

• Compared her modest cash flow from a condo with the stronger returns from a $25K LP investment in a syndication.

• Multifamily provided better returns, scalability, and less day-to-day involvement.

How She Became a General Partner

• Joined a mastermind group and realized she could raise capital and contribute to larger deals.

• Currently an LP and GP in two multifamily properties totaling over 100 units.

• Enjoys the freedom and passive income that come with being part of a larger team.

Tips for Passive Investors

• Vet the operator: make sure theyve gone full-cycle and have a conservative track record.

• Ask the right questions: returns, loan structure, operator investment, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Analyze the market: consider economic drivers, employer base, and long-term potential.

The Power of Masterminds and Community

• Joined multiple groups to learn, network, and grow faster.

• Finds value in sharing stories and learning from the mistakes and successes of others.

• Believes education, connection, and execution are keys to building wealth in real estate.

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Cindy up for success: Bought a couch before a closing that fell throughlearned to never spend money until the deal is actually closed.

Digital or mobile resource: YouTube Universityher go-to for real estate education and even gardening tips.

Book recommendation: The 12 Week Year helps break big goals into achievable short-term plans, giving you a new year every quarter.

Daily habit: Focusing on family routines and goals helps her stay centered and committed to long-term financial freedom.

#1 insight for scaling into multifamily: Skip single-family. Take flip profits or saved capital and go directly into multifamily to scale faster with fewer headaches.

Favorite restaurant in Denver, CO: Los Dos.

Next Steps

• Learn more at EmeraldPeakSolutions.com

• Reach out to Cindy directly at [email protected]

Closing Call to Action

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If youre enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Paul Shannon is a real estate investor, fund manager, and co-host of the PassivePockets podcast. After spending 15 years in medical device sales, Paul transitioned into full-time real estate in 2019. He has acquired over 200 residential units through creative strategies like BRRRR and joint ventures and is an LP in 40+ deals across multifamily, industrial, debt funds, and more. Today, he runs Invest Wise Collective, an opportunistic investment fund focused on delivering diversified returns through both GP and LP positions.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Must Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Paul left a successful sales career to pursue real estate full-time after realizing he wanted more purpose, freedom, and control.

• He failed as a property manager early on but used that lesson to scale through partnerships and better team delegation.

• Invest Wise Collective takes a capital-agnostic, asset-agnostic approach to investing—balancing risk, return, and diversification.

• Passive investors should focus on sponsor alignment, risk tolerance, and consistent underwriting inputs over flashy return metrics.

• Community and mentorship are essential for new and seasoned LPs alike—there’s power in learning from others’ experiences.

Topics

From Medical Sales to Real Estate Freedom

• Paul started with single-family rentals and flips, managing properties himself while still in corporate sales.

• In 2019, he left his W2 job with a modest portfolio, savings runway, and a desire to build something meaningful.

• A pivotal moment came when he outsourced property management and focused on acquisitions, unlocking rapid growth.

The Rise of Invest Wise Collective

• In 2023, Paul and partners launched a fund to pool capital and invest across asset classes.

• The fund focuses on both GP and LP positions, enabling flexible capital deployment based on risk-reward profiles.

• Their early strategy emphasized debt positions for income and capital preservation, later pivoting to multifamily as opportunities emerged.

Lessons for New Passive Investors

• Focus on the sponsor first, then the deal—good operators can rescue average deals; bad ones can ruin great ones.

• Underwriting inputs matter more than IRR projections—don’t get seduced by high returns without understanding the assumptions.

• Diversify across operators, asset types, and loan maturities to mitigate risks like market timing or interest rate exposure.

• Don’t let FOMO drive decisions—there will always be more deals. Be intentional, not reactive.

The Power of Community: Passive Pockets

• Paul is co-host of Passive Pockets, formerly Left Field Investors, now owned by BiggerPockets.

• The platform provides deal reviews, sponsor evaluations, educational content, and LP peer collaboration.

• It helps investors go from 100-level beginners to 500-level LPs through shared experience and due diligence transparency.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Paul up for success: Realized he was a terrible property manager—which led him to outsource operations and discover the value of the Who Not How mindset.

Digital or mobile resource: Slack – an essential tool for team collaboration and staying connected without overwhelming inboxes.

Book recommendation: Creature from Jekyll Island – a deep dive into the history of the Federal Reserve and monetary systems that shaped his financial worldview.

Daily habit: Early morning workouts to boost energy, mental clarity, and start the day with intention and discipline.

#1 insight for passive investing: Don’t fall for FOMO. There will always be more deals—invest when you’re informed and confident.

Favorite restaurant in Fortville, IN: FoxGardin.

Next Steps

• Visit PassivePockets.com to join the LP community and access exclusive education and deal reviews

• Learn more about Paul’s investment strategy at InvestWiseCollective.com

• Focus on sponsor alignment, risk-adjusted returns, and long-term diversification in your investing journey

Closing Call to Action

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

David Blumenfeld is the co-founder of Next Rivet, a proptech advisory firm that helps real estate businesses leverage digital technology to solve real business challenges. With experience leading business development at Westfield Labs—the innovation arm of Westfield Shopping Centers—David has a deep understanding of how to bridge the gap between traditional real estate operations and emerging technologies. At Next Rivet, he focuses on building tailored technology roadmaps and overseeing successful implementation, ensuring that technology delivers measurable impact, not just flashy concepts.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Proptech is not about chasing buzzwords—it’s about identifying business problems first and applying the right tools to solve them.

• The biggest failure in tech implementation comes from unclear business requirements, not from the technology itself.

• AI is not a stand-alone solution but an ingredient that enhances existing tools and processes.

• Operational efficiencies, lease management, and tenant experience are key focus areas where technology can provide immediate ROI.
  Success comes from doing the upfront work: define your goals clearly, then explore solutions.

Topics

What Is Proptech and Why It Matters

• Proptech (property technology) spans digital leasing tools, building management systems, smart locks, energy efficiency tech, tenant experience platforms, and more.

• The slow adoption rate in real estate offers an opportunity for forward-thinking operators to gain an edge.

• Focus should always be on solving operational challenges—not on adopting tech for tech’s sake.

Avoiding the “Deck on the Desk” Problem

• Many consulting firms hand over a giant report without real action steps.

• Next Rivet helps clients move from strategy to implementation, working directly with vendors and ensuring real results.

• Their approach is tech-agnostic—choosing the right tools for the job, not locking clients into a specific vendor.

Where Most Owners Should Start with Tech

• Focus on basic operational systems: lease digitization, renewal tracking, building management systems.

• Use AI as a layer within these systems to streamline lease abstraction, document review, and operations.

• Prioritize energy efficiency tools that can produce real cost savings (e.g., HVAC optimization, smart metering).

Technology Across Asset Classes

• Retail: Enhance shopper experience through frictionless parking, special tenant offers, and real-time inventory insights.

• Office: Provide infrastructure that allows tenants to customize their tech stack while the building remains future-proof.

• Multifamily: Combine leasing, operations, and tenant engagement into seamless digital experiences.

How to Vet and Choose Tech Solutions Wisely

• Clearly define business needs before engaging vendors.

• Develop tight business and technical requirements—just like architectural plans for a building.

• Avoid jumping into tools just because they’re AI-powered or new; focus on real benefits and usability.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set you up for success:

Missed a job opportunity at Excite during the dot-com boom—but it led to a career-shaping role at CNET, launching him into the tech space where he’s stayed ever since.

Digital or mobile resource:

• Coresight Research for retail-focused insights

• Commercial Observer for CRE news

• Propmodo, Crytek, and Blueprint events and publications for proptech trends
  
  

• Google Alerts for staying up-to-date on key topics like AI, proptech, or property management tools

Book recommendation: Girt – a humorous yet factual history of Australia. Highly entertaining and unexpectedly educational.

Daily habit: Exercise—an essential routine for mental clarity and balance, especially when spending long hours in front of a screen.

#1 insight for leveraging technology: Don’t start with the shiny tech. Start with clear business needs and strong requirements—then find the right solution to fit.

Favorite restaurant in Bay Area, CA: One of the many taquerias in San Francisco’s Mission District—hard to go wrong with any of them.

Next Steps

• Learn more about David and his team at NextRivet.com

• Reach out directly to David at [email protected] for help assessing your technology roadmap

• Audit your current processes and identify key areas where tech could streamline operations or enhance tenant experience

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Nathan St Cyr is the co-founder of Howzit Hostels, a fast-growing hospitality brand based in the Hawaiian Islands. Within three years, Howzit Hostels earned the 2024 award for the number one small hostel in North America. With two current locations totaling approximately 140 beds, Nathan and his partner are on a mission to scale to 400 beds in Hawaii and 4,000 beds across North America—all while elevating the hostel experience into a modern, community-focused hospitality model.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Nathan originally trained in multifamily investing but pivoted to hostels after uncovering a major market gap in the U.S. hostel space.

• Howzit Hostels focuses on elevating the guest experience with boutique design, community engagement, and Instagram-worthy moments.

• The hostel model allows for multiple revenue levers through room configuration, occupancy flexibility, and curated guest experiences.

• Their approach targets the Gen Z traveler, who craves connection, shared spaces, and social currency through experiences.

• Success comes from understanding your avatar, hiring expert operators, and being fully committed to your vision.

Topics

From Multifamily to Hospitality Pivot

• Started with multifamily training, searching for apartment deals in Hawaii.

• First property search introduced the idea of hostels, which led to a deep dive into the business model.

• Discovered that hostels offered a more flexible, high-margin opportunity than traditional apartment investing in their market.

What Is a Hostel Today?

• Challenges the outdated U.S. perception of hostels as cheap or dirty backpacker lodging.

• Focuses on community-based experiences with boutique design, common spaces, guided activities, and both shared and private rooms.

• Targets modern travelers who value shared experiences over isolation.

Creating a Scalable, Passion-Driven Asset

• Hostels allow room configurations that multiply income potential—such as converting a single hotel room into a shared six-bed space.

• Hostel occupancy is measured per bed, allowing for higher flexibility and revenue optimization.

• Deep understanding of their target audience (Gen Z) shapes branding, amenities, and experiences.

Mindset, Mentorship, and Execution

• Emphasizes hiring experts to validate business plans and fill skill gaps, including European hostel consultants and hospitality designers.

• Stresses the importance of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to go “all in” on your vision.

• Leverages lessons from a background in sales leadership, focusing on rejection as a temporary obstacle and belief as the driving force.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Nathan up for success: Early struggles in sales and a challenging first property purchase taught Nathan that belief, persistence, and mindset outlast temporary setbacks.

Digital or mobile resource: Social Wi-Fi—automates mid-stay guest feedback and channels five-star reviews directly to Google while flagging issues for in-house resolution.

Book recommendation: Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz – a game-changing book on mindset, the subconscious, and unlocking your potential (despite the intimidating title).

Daily habit: Morning and evening meditation with visualization to align mindset and focus—Nathan believes 80% of success is mindset, 20% is execution.

#1 insight for running a successful hostel: Culture is everything. Build a company culture where the right people want to work, and your business will thrive.

Favorite restaurant in Maui, HI: Nuka.

Next Steps

• Follow Nathan and explore the Howzit Hostels journey at HowzitHostels.com

• Listen to Nathan’s podcast, Hotel Investor Playbook, for deeper insights into hospitality investing

• Consider the unique opportunities in hostel and hospitality investing, especially for passion-driven entrepreneurs

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Dr. Janeeka Benoit, also known as “Dr. J,” is a board-certified travel physician in internal and sports medicine, and a real estate investor with over 60 units. She became an accidental landlord during her medical residency and has since evolved into an apartment syndicator. Dr. J helps healthcare professionals invest passively in real estate so they can regain time, reduce stress, and focus on family, freedom, and fulfillment.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. J became an investor out of necessity during residency, managing three properties while working demanding hospital shifts.

• A pivotal conversation with her CPA convinced her to go bigger and leverage multifamily investing through syndications.

• She emphasizes the importance of aligning your real estate strategy with your lifestyle and time availability.

• Dr. J now helps other healthcare professionals learn how to invest passively and build wealth.

• Her first real estate meetup had 6 attendees—her most recent had 18, proving the growing demand for real estate education in the medical community.

Topics

From Overwhelm to Opportunity

• Started with two single-family homes and a duplex, all self-managed while working long hours as a medical resident.

• Hit burnout quickly and considered quitting—until her CPA told her to “go bigger.”

• Learned about apartment syndication and joined a mastermind to scale with support.

Learning the Language of Multifamily

• Initially intimidated by multifamily jargon and million-dollar deal talk.

• Gained confidence by consistently attending events, showing up for calls, and surrounding herself with experienced peers.

• Discovered she had a story to share—and a community of physicians who needed her voice.

Serving the Medical Community Through Real Estate

• Hosts local meetups for doctors, dentists, residents, and aspiring med students.

• Uses her own journey to teach others how to passively invest without adding stress to their careers.

• Draws parallels between managing patients as a physician and managing investment teams—both require collaboration, diagnosis, and execution.

Investor Mindset and Capital Raising

• Overcame limiting beliefs about asking for capital by treating investor conversations like patient consults.

• Raised $110,000 in five minutes during a mastermind challenge—proving the power of simply asking.

• Prioritizes investing with people who share her values, vision, and integrity.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set you up for success: It took her three years and five MCAT attempts to get into medical school. That journey taught her faith and persistence—skills that now fuel her real estate career.

Digital or mobile resource: Multifamily Insights Podcast – an on-demand library of episodes for anyone serious about multifamily investing.

Book recommendation: The Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless – her go-to resource for syndication strategy and fundamentals.

Daily habit: Prayer and meditation. Starts each morning in silence with gratitude, reflection, and intention to stay grounded amid her busy schedule.

#1 insight for investing as a healthcare professional: Choose real estate strategies that match your lifestyle—don’t add stress in the name of building wealth.

Favorite restaurant in Nashville, TN: Urban Grub.

Next Steps

• Connect with Dr. J on LinkedIn to learn more about her meetups and deals

• Attend one of her Nashville events if you’re in healthcare and curious about passive investing

• Explore apartment syndications as a way to invest without the burden of solo property management

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.