The Academy Presents podcast

The Academy Presents podcast

by Angel Williams
How To

Maximizing Multifamily Value: Creative Income Strategies and more with Jason Yarusi

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with multifamily investor and asset management expert Jason to discuss practical ways to increase property value beyond simply raising rents. From adding new income streams and improving resident experiences to evaluating expansion opportunities and understanding the true economics of multifamily investing, this conversation offers valuable insights for both new and experienced investors. Topics Covered How to create additional revenue streams through amenities and resident services Using vending machines, laundry facilities, and other value-added opportunities to increase income Why increasing rents should be tied to creating value for residents The importance of security upgrades and property improvements Evaluating office space conversions into rentable units Understanding the financial impact of adding new units to an existing property Construction costs versus potential property appreciation How neighborhood class and property positioning affect investment decisions The difference between residential and multifamily investing mindsets Key asset management considerations for long-term property success Lessons learned from transitioning from passive to active multifamily investing Quotes "Creating value for residents is often a better strategy than simply raising rents." "Sometimes what sounds like a great opportunity isn't the best use of your time, capital, or property." Connect with Angel https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Jason Yarusi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonyarusi/
E640
Jun 8, 2026
12:35

Creating Value in Multifamily Real Estate Without Major Renovations with Jason Yarusi

Jason Yarusi shares practical strategies for increasing the value of multifamily properties through operational improvements, utility savings, tenant experience enhancements, and effective property management. He breaks down real-world examples from his own portfolio, showing how small changes can lead to significant increases in property value and investor returns. The conversation also highlights the importance of building the right team, preparing for unexpected challenges, and executing a clear business plan. Topics Covered Improving property value through utility efficiency programs Creating additional income streams through amenities and resident services Enhancing tenant experience and building community within multifamily properties Reducing expenses through management efficiencies and economies of scale Implementing successful property takeover and transition strategies Lessons learned from a 94-unit multifamily investment Managing unexpected challenges in real estate investing The importance of strong property management and team building Quotes "Small operational improvements can create massive value without disrupting your tenants." "A great business plan is important, but the right team is what turns that plan into results."
E639
Jun 1, 2026
13:33

Mastering Asset Management in Multifamily Real Estate Investing with Jason Yarusi

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel is joined by Jason Yarusi, a multifamily investor with over 2,000 units under management, to break down the fundamentals of asset management. They explore how investors can protect and grow their real estate investments by properly overseeing property performance, working effectively with property management teams, and executing strong business plans from acquisition through disposition. This conversation is packed with practical insights for new, stuck, and experienced investors looking to scale smarter. Topics Covered Understanding the role of asset management versus property management How to evaluate and choose the right property management company Key questions to ask before hiring a management team The importance of inspections, budgeting, and due diligence Weekly and ongoing performance tracking for multifamily assets Strategies to increase net operating income Rent increases and tenant retention strategies Creative ways to add income through fees and contracts Expense reduction and utility savings strategies Importance of underwriting validation during acquisition Takeover and repositioning planning after closing Coordination between legal, lending, and operations teams Quotes Did you know that 90 percent of the world's millionaires invest in real estate? Asset management is the oversight of the property from acquisition to disposition. It is about monitoring performance and making sure the plan is executed properly.
E638
May 26, 2026
11:30

Building Affordable Housing Through Mobile Home Communities with Andrew Cramer

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, host Angel Williams sits down with Andrew Cramer to discuss the future of affordable housing through mobile home communities. Andrew shares insights on community development, tenant relationships, infrastructure improvements, and how investors can create profitable properties while improving residents’ quality of life. The conversation also dives into zoning challenges, reducing stigma around manufactured housing, and building thriving communities that benefit both investors and tenants. Topics Covered Affordable housing and the growing role of mobile home communities How community improvements increase property value and tenant satisfaction The importance of active management in reducing crime and improving neighborhoods Creative ways to add value through laundry facilities, storage, utilities, and amenities Why communication and transparency with residents matter The connection between quality of life and long term investment success Breaking the stigma surrounding manufactured housing How mobile home communities can help bridge the affordability gap for homeownership Challenges with zoning, development, and regulations in Texas Building strong tenant relationships and vibrant communities Quotes “Great quality of life and great investment opportunities can absolutely exist together in affordable housing.” “Your tenants do not become your enemies. They become your investment partners when you invest in the community.”
E637
May 18, 2026
22:01

Rent Control, Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investment Strategies with Andrew Cramer

In this episode, Angel sits down with Andrew Cramer to discuss rent control, affordable housing, and the realities of investing in regulated markets. They explore how legislation impacts investors, tenants, housing supply, and long-term community development while sharing perspectives on ethical investing and creating quality affordable housing. Topics Covered Rent control and its long-term economic effects Affordable housing challenges and opportunities Investor perspectives on regulated markets Housing supply, competition, and rental pricing Mobile home parks and NIMBY challenges Ethical real estate investing and community impact Balancing investor returns with tenant needs Quotes “The long-term beneficiary of rent control is really the investor.” — Andrew Cramer “Affordable housing and strong investment returns can absolutely exist together.” — Andrew Cramer Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cramer-43b5b513a/ Connect with Angel : https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E636
May 15, 2026
20:52

Manufactured Housing and the Future of Affordable Homeownership with Andrew Cramer

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing Rocks podcast, Angel sits down with Andrew Cramer of Bridgeview Asset Management to discuss the evolving world of manufactured housing and its role in solving today’s affordable housing crisis. From breaking stigmas to creating pathways to homeownership, Andrew shares how ethical management, modern construction standards, and innovative financing options are transforming manufactured housing communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Topics Covered Affordable housing and wealth building through manufactured homes The stigma surrounding manufactured housing and why it still exists How manufactured housing creates opportunities for first time homeowners The financial benefits of owning versus renting FHA Title I financing for manufactured homes Modern manufactured home construction and quality standards Community redevelopment and improving residents’ quality of life Resident owned community models and long term housing stability Why ethical property management matters in affordable housing The future of manufactured housing in real estate investing Quotes “Manufactured housing offers an option for homeownership where wealth building becomes possible for people who otherwise may never have that opportunity.” “Affordability is not just about cost. It’s about safety, stability, community, and creating a better quality of life.” Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cramer-43b5b513a/ Connect with Angel : https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E635
May 13, 2026
19:25

Tracking the Truth Behind Real Estate Syndications with Prolet Miteva

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks Podcast, Angel sits down with real estate investor and tech creator Prolet Miteva to discuss the realities of passive investing, the danger of misleading projections, and why accountability matters more than ever in today’s market. They dive into how investors can better track performance, evaluate sponsors, and make smarter decisions using data instead of hype. The conversation also explores the creation of Syndication Tracker, a platform designed to help passive investors organize, monitor, and understand their investments more effectively. Topics Covered • Why aggressive projections no longer work in today’s real estate market • How small changes in NOI and cap rates can dramatically affect deal performance • The importance of tracking sponsor performance against projections • Understanding acquisition fees and “skin in the game” • How passive investors can hold sponsors accountable • The role of transparency and communication during market downturns • Why portfolio organization matters for long term investing success • Using Syndication Tracker to monitor distributions, K1s, and investment performance • How historical data can improve future investment decisions • The benefits of creating tools specifically for passive investors Quotes “NOI and cap rate rule everything in commercial real estate. Small adjustments can make any deal look amazing.” “You should make investment decisions in an educated manner, not just because a sponsor told you to do it.”
E634
May 11, 2026
23:56

From Passive Investor to Portfolio Freedom with Prolet Miteva

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Prolet Miteva shares her journey from tech professional to full-time passive real estate investor living off her portfolio. She dives deep into the realities of alternative investing, the importance of due diligence, learning from failed deals, and why investors need to ask tougher questions before handing over their money. This conversation is packed with honest insights about risk, transparency, market cycles, and building long-term wealth through smarter investing decisions. Topics Covered • What accredited and sophisticated investors need to know before investing • The difference between 506B and 506C investment opportunities • Why due diligence and asking hard questions matters • Using gut instinct alongside data when evaluating sponsors and deals • The reality of failed deals and learning from investment losses • Why transparency from sponsors is critical in today’s market • How fear and ego can lead investors and operators to make poor decisions • Risk tolerance and how it changes throughout different life stages • Building a portfolio focused on both cash flow and equity growth • Alternative assets, diversification, and portfolio allocation strategies • Lessons learned from multifamily investing challenges • Why networking and investor communities are essential for success • The importance of skepticism in an era of polished online marketing and AI-generated branding • How market downturns create stronger operators for future cycles • Real-world insights into passive investing, syndications, and commercial real estate Quotes “You really need to learn and figure out how to ask those hard questions before jumping into a deal.” — Prolet Miteva “Failure is only valuable if you truly learn from it and use those lessons in your next investment.” — Prolet Miteva Connect with Prolet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prolet/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E633
May 7, 2026
26:01

Passive Investing and Long Term Wealth with Prolet Miteva

In this episode, Angel sits down with Prolet, a full time passive investor with a background in tech, to break down what it really takes to build wealth through real estate. From her journey out of Silicon Valley to investing in over 25 commercial deals, Prolet shares practical insights on portfolio growth, the power of patience, and why understanding the long game can completely change how you invest. Topics Covered The transition from a tech career into full time passive investing and how it created financial flexibility How early investments in single family homes helped fuel larger commercial real estate opportunities The difference between investing in strong markets versus navigating downturns and uncertainty Why compound growth and long term thinking matter more than quick wins The importance of financial education and taking ownership of your investment knowledge Common mistakes passive investors make and how to better evaluate deals and sponsors How tools like portfolio tracking and forecasting can help investors make smarter decisions The realities of inflation, interest rates, and how they impact real estate performance Quotes “Most people focus on one deal, but the real power is understanding what your portfolio can become over 10 or 15 years.” “If you don’t educate yourself as an investor, you won’t know what questions to ask or what risks you’re actually taking on.” Connect with Prolet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prolet/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E632
May 5, 2026
23:18

Real Estate, the Economy, and What the Headlines Aren’t Telling You

In this episode, Angel breaks down the connection between real estate investing and the broader economy, highlighting how inflation, labor trends, and shifting financial behaviors impact investors at every level. From beginners to seasoned pros, this conversation encourages listeners to look beyond the headlines, question the data, and make smarter, more informed decisions in today’s evolving market. Topics Covered The power of real estate investing as a path to wealth and long term financial growth How economic trends like inflation and interest rates impact real estate decisions Understanding the Federal Reserve’s role and the balance between inflation and employment Why labor force participation matters more than headline unemployment numbers The hidden impact of the gig economy and undocumented cash flow on the real economy Supply chain challenges and how they affect housing affordability and development Shifting workforce behavior and how lifestyle changes influence the market The importance of questioning data, statistics, and media narratives How personal financial habits and cash flow awareness shape investment success Quotes “Just because the numbers look good doesn’t mean they tell the whole story.” “Building wealth through real estate starts with understanding the bigger economic picture.”
E631
May 1, 2026
17:14
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