Inside Multifamily Acquisitions W/Brady Baloun

Nov 13

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Episode Description

Welcome to the Freedom Point Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brady Baloun, Director of Acquisitions and Transactions at Rise48 Equity, to uncover how multifamily investment opportunities are truly sourced, analyzed, and closed. Brady shares insider insights on building broker relationships, navigating off-market deals, and maintaining a 100% close rate across 60+ transactions.
He breaks down the art and science of underwriting, the importance of broker trust, and the role of strategic financing in executing multimillion-dollar acquisitions. Whether you're an investor or an operator, this episode reveals what it really takes to find and win the best multifamily deals in competitive markets.

Extended Website Summary

Tip #1: Strong Broker Relationships Drive Access

"Brokers want a guaranteed close. That’s how they get paid."

Brady explains that being reliable and closing on time earns trust with brokers. Over time, Rise48 Equity has built a reputation that leads to exclusive looks on deals before they hit the market.

Tip #2: Speed and Certainty Create an Edge

"We get brokers feedback within 24 to 48 hours."

Quick, professional feedback builds credibility. This responsiveness shows brokers that Rise48 is decisive and serious—making them more likely to share new listings first.

Tip #3: Off-Market Deals Start with Blind LOIs

"Every week, we send a handful of blind LOIs to uncover hidden opportunities."

Brady describes how sending letters of intent on unlisted properties helps the team find off-market opportunities and unlock access to motivated sellers.

Tip #4: Underwriting Is Both Art and Science

"Underwriting isn’t 100% science—it’s part art."

He shares how data, intuition, and local knowledge combine in multifamily underwriting. While technology tools like CoStar and RealPage help model assumptions, human insight is key.

Tip #5: Due Diligence Protects Investor Capital

"By the time we get to closing, everything is tied up in a bow."

Brady walks through the meticulous due diligence process that begins once a deal is awarded—covering debt sourcing, entity setup, and hundreds of legal checklist items.

Tip #6: Complex Deals Require Coordination

"We had to orchestrate two simultaneous transactions for a 1031 exchange."

He recalls managing a dual transaction involving both a sale and purchase with multiple investor structures—a process that demanded precision and teamwork to complete successfully.

Tip #7: Debt Is the Hidden Partner in Every Deal

"Lenders are writing 65–70% of the purchase price—they’re our biggest partner."

Lenders serve as an additional layer of due diligence, ensuring underwriting assumptions are sound. Their approval often determines whether a deal moves forward.

Tip #8: Bridge Loans Power Value-Add Success

"Bridge debt gives us the flexibility to execute our business plan."

Brady explains why Rise48 often favors bridge financing—it offers capital for renovations and shorter prepayment periods, aligning with their value-add investment model.

Tip #9: Market Cycles Require Flexibility

"We underwrite for a five-year hold but always prepare for a refinance."

By stress-testing deals and planning for potential interest rate fluctuations, Rise48 ensures they can adapt whether the market shifts up or down.

Tip #10: Certainty Builds Reputation—and Opportunity

"We’ve never dropped a deal or retraded a seller."

That track record is what positions Rise48 as a buyer brokers trust—creating lasting access to the best investment opportunities.