How to Buy Back Your Time through Real Estate with Jonathan Nichols, Ep. 701

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.

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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.

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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

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