Ritter on Real Estate
A front-row seat to real estate experts as they give their top advice, strategies, and tools to help you become a better passive investor. I break down their insights into practical steps, so you can take action. This show is for anyone who wants to Passively Invest like a Pro!
Ritter on Real Estate
The Power of Fixed Debt and Smart Operations ft. John Casmon
On this week’s episode of Ritter on Real Estate, Kent Ritter interviews John Casmon. They break down a real case study: a 2019-built, B-class Louisville asset bought in 2021 where the team created value through operations and paired the plan with stable, assumed fixed-rate debt. John shares how they tightened collections, navigated a surprise tax reassessment, and used a “process, people, partner” framework to sharpen property management. They wrap with why Midwest absorption/supply dynamics matter and how conservative underwriting created multiple ways to win.
Where to Find John:
- https://casmoncapital.com/
- John's podcasts - Multifamily Insights, Multifamily Mastery on Best Ever CRE
Key Takeaways
- Align debt structure with your business plan; fixed long-term debt lowered risk and created stability
- Value-add isn’t always about renovations—operational efficiencies can drive just as much upside
- Expect the unexpected: delinquency spikes, tax surprises, and other challenges require proactive pivots
- Management can make or break deals; clear KPIs and the right on-site PM are critical
- Conservative underwriting and multiple ways to “win” set projects up to outperform expectations
Books Mentioned
- Free guide: 7 Questions to Ask Before Investing in Apartments
- Books mentioned:
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Production by Outlier Audio