In this episode of When Real Estate Gets Real, Stephen Lee Thomas sits down with John Todderud of Cardinal Oak Investments to unpack the reality behind multifamily investing once the deal is done.

From managing tenants and operations to navigating investor expectations and market headwinds, this conversation reveals what most new operators aren’t prepared for.

John shares lessons from completing 9 deals, including the shift in responsibility when handling investor capital, the challenges of raising trust (not just money), and how today’s market is creating new opportunities for those paying attention.

• What changes after closing your first deal
• The biggest operational surprises in multifamily
• How investor responsibility shifts decision-making
• Why trust is the hardest part of raising capital
• How interest rates and lending impact deals
• Why today’s market may offer strong buying opportunities

• The difference between solo deals vs syndications
• Real challenges with bridge loans and cash flow
• Why investors shouldn’t make every decision
• The role of education in capital raising
• Leveraging your network when things get difficult

Connect with John: Email: john@cardinaloak.com Webiste: https://cardinaloak.com/

Listen now and book your spot to be our next guest: https://whenrealestategetsreal.com/podcast-booking