Jonathan Nichols is a real estate investor and co-founder of Apogee Capital, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Formerly an aerospace engineer, Jonathan transitioned into multifamily real estate in 2019 and has since acquired eight multifamily properties and one self-storage facility totaling 1,000 units. He brings an analytical, systems-based approach to acquisitions and asset management, leveraging his engineering background to scale strategically in Texas and Oklahoma.
Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.
Key Takeaways:
-
Transitioning from aerospace engineering to full-time real estate investor was driven by a desire for entrepreneurship and dissatisfaction with corporate ceilings.
-
Strategic scaling includes focusing on one area of real estate—acquisitions, capital raising, or asset management—before trying to juggle all three.
-
Jonathan emphasizes using project-based virtual help and the “Buy Back Your Time” principle to grow the business efficiently.
-
His current investment focus is on B-class multifamily properties in both primary and tertiary Texas and Oklahoma markets.
-
Jonathan believes in leveraging partnerships, staying lean, and maximizing operational efficiency over aggressive expansion.
Topics:
From Aerospace to Real Estate
-
Passion for entrepreneurship and systems-thinking led Jonathan to real estate.
-
His corporate experience built a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making and risk management.
The Launch of Apogee Capital
-
Started with single-family investing before moving into multifamily.
-
Made the full-time leap after successfully completing two major deals and having a third under contract.
Making the Jump from W-2 to Full-Time Investing
-
Used a “point of no return” analogy to describe the moment he had to commit fully.
-
Recommended having proof of concept and income before making the transition.
-
Encourages consulting mentors and a trusted circle before leaving a day job.
Time Management and Scaling Up
-
Leveraging tools like the Buy Back Your Time method to maximize productivity.
-
Hiring project-based VAs for tasks like web design helped free up his bandwidth.
-
Delegating wisely and tracking what truly moves the needle is critical to long-term success.
Market Shifts and Strategy Adjustments
-
Previously focused on Oklahoma and other tertiary markets due to DFW competition.
-
Now sees Dallas as a market ready for reentry due to softening rents and increased vacancies.
-
Transitioning from C-class to B-class assets to reduce CapEx risk and improve asset quality.
Structure and Operations
-
Jonathan and his wife divide duties: he focuses on acquisitions; she handles asset management.
-
Portfolio ranges from 75 to 170 units, with a preference for properties large enough to support full on-site teams.
-
Long-term vision includes vertical integration but currently partners with third-party managers.
📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.
Round of Insights
-
Failure that led to success: An early live-in flip during COVID taught Jonathan the importance of budgeting to outsource renovation tasks and avoiding DIY overload.
-
Digital or mobile resource: For passive investors: a free masterclass on ApogeeMFC.com. For active investors: podcasts and mentorships for guided support.
-
Book recommendation: Buy Back Your Time – a game-changing book on reclaiming hours and structuring your schedule for maximum fulfillment.
-
Daily habit: Morning workouts, especially endurance training, help him start the day focused and energized.
-
#1 insight for scaling in multifamily: Treat real estate as three distinct businesses—acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management—and focus on the one where you excel.
-
Favorite restaurant in Dallas, TX: Tandoor.
Next Steps
-
Learn more about Jonathan and his work at ApogeeMFC.com
-
Explore Apogee’s masterclass for passive investors
-
Check out the book Buy Back Your Time if you’re serious about growth and time management
Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.