If you’re like I am, you’re probably smart, capable, and driven. So much so that you’re on the fence about transitioning from single-family rentals to multifamily apartments.

And if we’re alike, you might be trying to do or figure everything out yourself – especially if you come from the single-family world. That “do-it-yourself” mindset might’ve worked with flips or rentals. But with multifamily, it could slow you down or stop you altogether. 

In today’s post, I’ll show you why you don’t have to handle the full weight of multifamily investing on only your shoulders. I’ll show you the 3 parts of a successful multifamily investing team, how to build one, and easy steps you can take right now to start finding team members. 

Let’s do this.

The Three-Part Secret to Scaling: Your Team

There are three key types of people you need to build your team and scale with apartments. Let’s walk through them.

1. A Team of Professionals

When I first called brokers trying to land my first deal, they all asked me: What’s your track record? My answer? “Uh… I’ve flipped a few houses.” Brokers want to know that you can close a deal so that they can get paid. This is where experience plays a big role. 

See, brokers, lenders, and investors want to work with people who know what they’re doing. But here’s the good news: you can borrow experience. All you need is a professional team behind you.

You say, “I’m working with Bill at XYZ Property Management—he manages 5,000 units,” or “Sam from XYZ Lending—he closed over a billion dollars in loans last year.” Suddenly, you’re not just some newbie. You’re part of a real team – or you’re at least working with someone who has the track record you don’t. 

When you build a team of professionals—property managers, brokers, attorneys, lenders—you instantly boost your credibility. And that’s the key to getting in the door with deals, money, and opportunities.

2. A Strategic Partner

A second part of a team is almost equally as important, and that’s partnerships. In apartment syndications, there are typically two roles: the deal finder and the capital raiser.

• Deal finders love spreadsheets, numbers, and managing the details.
  
• Capital raisers love people, building relationships, and sharing the vision.
  

Chances are, you’re more naturally wired toward one than the other. That’s great. But don’t try to do both. Even if you can, you shouldn’t.

If you’ve only got five hours a week to work on your investing business, use those hours on what you’re great at—and bring in someone to cover the other half. That’s what real scaling looks like.

When you joint venture, you each get to focus on your strengths. And together, you can do deals neither of you could pull off alone.

3. An Experienced Advisor

This one could’ve saved me a lot of pain on my first deal.

In 2011, I bought a 12-unit building in Washington, D.C. I figured that since I’ve already got “real estate experience,” I could handle it. Turned out … I couldn’t. At least not at first. 

I made three major mistakes:

• I bought in a tenant-friendly area without knowing what that meant.
  
• I inherited a professional tenant—someone who knew the law better than I did and used it to avoid paying rent.
  
• I had the wrong property manager—they didn’t know how to handle Section 8 or tenants like this.
  

It was a disaster. I spent 18 months in court, missed rents, and went through months of stress. 

Eventually, I found the right manager and stabilized the property… but I’d already burned through my construction budget and lost a ton of time and money.

An experienced advisor could’ve helped me avoid all of that.

Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or someone you pay for guidance, having someone in your corner who’s been there before is game-changing. They’ll help you avoid the wrong deals, pick the right team, and stop making it up as you go.

4 Steps to Help You Start Building Your Team

Now that you know the three keys to scaling, here’s how to get started:

1. List out your current team (or lack thereof). Do you have a broker? A lender? A property manager with multifamily experience? Any potential partners?
   
2. Decide which role fits you best—deal finder or capital raiser. Be honest. You’ll go further, faster by focusing on your strength.
   
3. Start networking for your missing pieces. If you’re a deal finder, start connecting with capital raisers. If you’re a capital raiser, start meeting deal finders.

If you’re looking for a Property Manager, tell people! And be specific. Say something like, “I’m looking for a PM who manages 5,000 units and operates in the Metro Atlanta area.” The more specific you can be, the easier someone can point you to the right person.

4. Find a mentor or join a program. Don’t wing it. Get plugged into a system with people who’ve done what you’re trying to do.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not because you’re not smart enough or experienced enough. It’s because you’re trying to do it all yourself. Don’t. Build your team.

Build your credibility by surrounding yourself with professionals. Team up with someone who complements your strengths. And work with someone who’s already been down the road you’re on.

That’s the real secret to scaling your real estate portfolio.

To your success,

Michael Blank