283: Aligned Incentives In Vetted Multifamily Real Estate with Axel Ragnarsson

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Axel Ragnarsson, Founder and Managing Partner of Aligned Real Estate Partners. Axel began his entrepreneurial journey by flipping cars in college, which eventually led him to real estate. Over the years, he built a personal portfolio of multifamily properties before expanding into syndication and capital raising. His focus is on acquiring Class B and C value-add multifamily properties, primarily in New Hampshire, with an emphasis on building lasting relationships and structuring deals that align incentives between operators and investors. Jonathan and Axel discuss the differences between transactional and relationship-driven investing, the challenges of scaling from small multifamily projects to larger ones, and why patience and consistency matter more than chasing exponential growth. Axel also explains how direct-to-seller strategies in multifamily differ from single-family approaches, how sellers often value ease and trust as much as price, and why creative deal structures can open doors that brokered deals never could. Their conversation underscores the importance of transparency, credibility, and long-term thinking in both acquisitions and raising capital from investors. If you’re interested in understanding how to grow a multifamily portfolio the right way —through relationships, alignment, and steady growth —this episode provides a roadmap for approaching real estate with integrity and strategy. In this episode, you will hear: Axel Ragnarsson’s progression from flipping cars to building an 80–90 unit multifamily portfolio Why he shifted from small self-owned deals to capital raising and syndications The mindset shift required for effective direct-to-seller outreach How relationship-building trumps transactional deal-making in multifamily investing The role of patience in scaling sustainably instead of chasing door counts Ways creative deal structures help unlock financing and opportunity Why aligned incentives between investors and operators are critical for long-term success Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Aligned Real Estate Partners website - alignedrep.com Axel Ragnarsson’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/multifamilywealth Connect with Axel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/axelragnarsson Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.