In this episode, host Brad Weaver talks with investor, entrepreneur, and podcast host Axel Ragnarsson, founder of Aligned Real Estate Partners and host of the Multifamily Wealth Podcast.

Axel shares his journey from flipping cars in college to building a 450-unit multifamily portfolio focused in New Hampshire. He opens up about the hard lessons learned from a cash-burning out-of-state deal, the creative strategy behind his best acquisition, and how direct-to-seller marketing became the cornerstone of his success. Axel also offers practical insights into market focus, scaling wisely, and building long-term wealth with or without investor capital.

Key Topics: Axel’s first deal and why the $5K loss was worth every penny What went wrong in his worst deal (and how vandalism made it worse) Lessons from a $1M equity lift in his best direct-to-seller portfolio Scaling to 450 units through focused growth—not flash Building a vertically integrated operation with in-house property management The importance of deep market knowledge and avoiding shiny-object syndrome How Axel uses direct mail, calls, and emails to build long-term deal flow Why smaller deals can be more profitable than syndications Launching a membership community to support investors and give back

Memorable Quotes: "If it’s working, pour gas on it." "You don’t realize how much you know about your market… until you go outside of it." "You don’t do direct mail to get deals—you do it to build relationships."

Connect with Axel: Instagram: @multifamilywealth Podcast: Multifamily Wealth Podcast Membership Community: Aligned Community Info (More info via Axel’s Instagram bio)

Connect with Brad: Risk Strategies on LinkedIn: Link Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-weaver-bb29035/ Book an intro appt with Brad: https://zcal.co/fwbn/introcall Brad’s Direct Cell: (845) 779-2044

In this episode, host Brad Weaver talks with entrepreneur, investor relations manager, and founder of She Is Her, Jazmin Salinas. Jazmin shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 19 to becoming a successful real estate investor with over 100 land transactions and 1,300 multifamily units. She dives into lessons from her early deals, her pivot into multifamily, and her exciting plans for expanded land investing and mixed-use developments. Jazmin also shares how she’s empowering women through financial education and community building.

Key Topics: Starting over in the U.S. and rebuilding a career Lessons from her first land deal (and why it mattered) Scaling through 100+ land transactions Seller financing strategies for passive income Transitioning into multifamily investments Developing retail centers tied to master-planned communities Launching "She Is Her" to empower women in finance and investing

Memorable Quotes: "You are one connection away from a completely different life." "Leaving a legacy isn’t just about money—it's about educating the next generation to sustain and grow it."

Connect with Jazmin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmin-salinas-1448021a3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjazminsalinas Website: https://massive.capital/

Connect with Brad: Risk Strategies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/risk-strategies-company/posts/?feedView=all Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-weaver-bb29035/ Book an intro appt with Brad: https://zcal.co/fwbn/introcall Brad’s Direct Cell: (845) 779-2044

This episode features Mac Shelton from Sweet Bay Capital discussing his experiences in multifamily real estate investing. Mac shares insights into his firm's investment strategies, detailing both successes and challenges. He dives into specific deals, including his "best" and most challenging, offering valuable lessons on underwriting, market selection, and property management. The conversation explores the nuances of student housing and the potential of investing in tertiary markets.

Key Takeaways: • Importance of Underwriting: Thorough underwriting is crucial to mitigate risks, especially with older properties. • Market Selection: Tertiary markets can offer strong rent growth and less competition compared to primary markets. • Student Housing Nuances: Student rentals can be profitable but require careful management and consideration of location and market dynamics. • Value-Add Strategies: Implementing value-add strategies, such as renovations and rent optimization, can significantly increase property value and returns. • Managing Challenges: Real estate investing involves challenges; effective management and conservative budgeting are essential for navigating them.

About Mac Shelton: Mac Shelton is a founding partner of Sweet Bay Capital, a multifamily investment firm focused on value-add properties in Virginia and the Carolinas. His real estate career began with underwriting debt and equity deals and raising capital. Mac's firm targets 20% deal-level Irrs and focuses on improving property efficiency and profitability through renovations. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mac is also a 1st Lieutenant in the North Carolina National Guard.

How to contact Mac: • Sweet Bay Capital Website: https://www.sweetbay-capital.com/ • Mac Shelton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-shelton/

How to contact Brad: • Risk Strategies on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/risk-strategies-company/posts/?feedView=all • Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-weaver-bb29035/ • Book an intro appt with Brad: https://zcal.co/fwbn/introcall • Brad’s Direct Cell: (845) 779-2044