Real estate investing isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about creating freedom, stability, and impact. Many investors limit themselves to single-family homes, overlooking the scalability, stability, and transformative potential of multifamily properties.
I joined Lou Brown on The Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing Podcast to share my journey of resilience, passion, and purpose in real estate. My journey started at 38 after the 2008 crash, which influenced my investment strategy.
Let me share key lessons on transforming adversity into opportunity, the benefits of multifamily real estate, and my mission to raise capital.
Link to episode: Turning Crisis Into Capital: Investing with Purpose and Resilience – EP 18
Discovering Purpose Through Crisis
At 38 years old, I thought my world had ended. A personal crisis left me broken, but counseling changed everything. That moment became the turning point where I discovered my passion: helping people align their values and passions with their financial journey.
Years later, the 2008 financial collapse tested me again. I lost nearly everything I had built through single-family homes. Starting over wasn’t easy, but resilience and a growth mindset pushed me forward. Those setbacks taught me that real estate success isn’t just about money—it’s about aligning purpose with strategy.
Why Multifamily Changed Everything
In the early stages of my investing journey, I focused on single-family homes. But after the 2008 financial crash, it became clear that this model wasn’t sustainable for rebuilding wealth. With a single-family property, losing one tenant means carrying the entire mortgage yourself until a new renter comes along. That risk—and the slow pace of growth—made me realize I needed a new approach.
Multifamily as a Risk-Adjusted Strategy
Multifamily offered the solution. When you have multiple units, one vacancy doesn’t destroy your income stream because other tenants are still paying rent. That built-in buffer makes multifamily a far more risk-adjusted strategy than single-family homes. It gave me stability at a time when I needed it most.
The Power of Teams
Another major difference was collaboration. Single-family investing often leaves you operating as a solo entrepreneur. In multifamily, however, success depends on teams—operators, acquisition specialists, and experienced investors working together. I discovered that by plugging into those existing teams, I could contribute my strengths while benefiting from their expertise and resources.
Finding My Role
At first, I thought I had to build my own company from scratch. But as I networked with established operators, I realized they already had the infrastructure in place—they just needed help raising capital. That’s where I found my niche. By focusing on capital raising, I became an essential part of larger multifamily deals while accelerating my own growth as an investor.
Raising Capital: Empowering Professionals
One of the biggest gaps I saw in real estate wasn’t just finding deals—it was funding them. Most professionals—doctors, engineers, professors—don’t want to leave their careers. They love what they do, but they also want to grow wealth.
That’s where I come in. I raise capital so these professionals can invest passively in real estate. As I often say: “You don’t have to leave your profession to create wealth.” With average annual returns of 18% or more, passive investors can enjoy financial growth without sacrificing time or energy.
Understanding the Seller’s Heart
Real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s deeply emotional. I’ve seen firsthand how sellers want reassurance that their homes will be cared for. One seller, a paralegal with decades of experience, opened up after I explained how our program helps families achieve homeownership.
That deal reinforced an important truth: when we connect with sellers on an emotional level, we build trust and create win-win opportunities. People want to do good—and real estate gives them the chance to leave a lasting impact.
Why I Avoid Ground-Up Development
Early in my journey, I dabbled in spec home development. It taught me an expensive lesson: construction delays and cost overruns can quickly derail returns.
That’s why I focus on value-add properties instead. They’re more predictable, safer, and still highly profitable. By improving existing multifamily communities, we can increase value, generate stable cash flow, and create real impact—without the unnecessary risks of ground-up builds.
Building Networks That Build Wealth
Success in real estate doesn’t happen in isolation. I rebuilt my career by joining mastermind groups, networking with operators, and building a community of like-minded investors.
Rebuilding After 2008 Through Mentorship
After the 2008 financial crash, I lost nearly everything I had built. Starting over was daunting, but I found my way back through mentors who guided me during that difficult period. Their insights gave me the perspective and encouragement I needed to begin again.
The Role of Mastermind Groups
I also leaned heavily on mastermind groups. These communities allowed me to share experiences, learn from others who had walked similar paths, and gain access to strategies that I would never have discovered on my own.
Creating Opportunities Through Relationships
Networking not only helped me recover financially but also opened doors to partnerships I could never have created alone. The right relationships, including podcast guest networks, accelerate everything—from finding deals to raising millions in capital.
Building Wealth That Truly Matters
My journey proves that adversity can be the foundation of success. By focusing on multifamily real estate, raising capital, and staying true to my purpose, I’ve built not just wealth but a life aligned with my values.
If you’re a professional who wants to grow wealth while staying committed to your calling, real estate can be your pathway. Align your passions with smart investments, surround yourself with the right people, and continually learn.
To learn more about my work and connect with me, visit www.theGreatTaxExcape.org for more updates.
About the Author
Dr. Allen Lomax is the founder of Steed Talker Capital and Streams to Impact. A retired psychology professor with a Ph.D. in Organizational Systems, Allen helps professionals build wealth through secure, high-yield investments—so they can live purposefully, give generously, and leave a legacy of impact. He believes prosperity begins with presence and grows through connection.
About the Author_Dr. Allen Lomax
Dr. Allen Lomax – Founder, Steed Talker Capital
Disclaimer: This material is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investments offered through Steed Talker Capital are private placements and are intended for accredited investors only. All investments carry risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Dr. Allen Lomax is not a licensed financial advisor, CPA, attorney, or insurance professional. Before making any investment decision, please consult your own financial, legal, and tax advisors to determine suitability for your personal situation.