At CF Capital, our edge isn’t guesswork—it’s keen market intel, deep key relationships and ultimately execution. Every month, we track three key performance indicators that keep us dialed in, nimble, and proactive across our multifamily portfolio.

These metrics aren’t just data points—they’re decision drivers.

1. Net Absorption: Are Renters Moving In—or Out?
Absorption rates tell us whether demand is rising or softening, at the metro, submarket and asset level. Strong absorption signals tenant confidence and leasing momentum. Slowing? That’s our cue to pivot—whether through pricing adjustments, incentives, or marketing.

2. Real-Time Rent Growth: What’s Performing, What’s Not
We track rent growth at the asset level, not just the market level. That means watching how specific unit types or floorplans perform so we can act fast—whether that’s refining a renovation plan, adjusting premiums, or identifying underperformance early.

In markets like the Midwest, where occupancy remains high and affordability drives demand, this level of precision helps us maximize NOI without overstepping tenant affordability.

3. Capital Flows & Lending Conditions: The Macro That Moves the Micro
Our investment strategy shifts with capital availability. We stay close to equity inflows, lending spreads, and financing terms across our core markets. That intel informs not just acquisitions—but refinances, recapitalizations, and exit strategies.

In today’s market, access to debt remains open—but only for sponsors with discipline and data to back their decisions. We continue to execute thoughtfully to be in this camp.

Why It Matters
These KPIs are a significant part of the foundation of our monthly reviews and investor updates.

They help us spot turning points before they show up in the headlines. They also reflect how we operate: active, agile, and intentional.

Want to see how we apply this data in real time—or how our Midwest focus is playing out in today’s market?

Let’s talk.

Why Smart Capital Is Staying Put: Long-Term Thinking in a Noisy Market

Markets are noisy. Headlines shift by the day. But smart capital isn’t chasing chatter—it’s doubling down on fundamentals, location, and alignment with the future.

At CF Capital, that’s the discipline we practice. Because real wealth is built over decades, not news cycles.

Noise vs. Navigation

The past 18 months have tested conviction. Some investors backed away. Others pressed pause. As for seasoned investors? They didn’t flinch—they recalibrated.

Smart capital knows how to filter noise and focus on signal. And the signals are clear:

• Population and job growth in resilient metros
• Rental demand in undersupplied submarkets
• Value-add opportunities where rents trail the market
• Operational inefficiencies that can be solved with execution, not speculation

Consider this: In several Midwest metros, multifamily vacancy rates remain below the national average—even after two years of higher interest rates. That’s what staying power looks like.

This isn’t about timing the market. It’s about positioning for the next cycle—and the next decade.

Location + Fundamentals Still Win

Trends shift. Fundamentals don’t. Location matters. Strong operators matter. Cash flow matters.

That’s why we focus on multifamily in the Midwest and Southeast—markets with affordability, in-migration, and resilience. They weren’t the trendiest regions five years ago, and that’s exactly why they’re holding up today.

Our strategy is grounded in:

• Durable demand that withstands cycles
• Cash flow supported by necessity-driven housing
• Defensible entry points that create a margin of safety
• Hands-on execution that protects and grows investor capital

Building for 2030, Not 2025

At CF Capital, we don’t just invest for today—we invest for tomorrow. Our goal is to build portfolios that deliver wealth, tax efficiency, and freedom for the long run.

We partner with investors who value:

• Discipline over hype
• Performance over projection
• Alignment over speculation

We’re investing actively—but only where fundamentals make sense today and in the years ahead.

The Long Game Is the Only Game

Markets may quiet. Capital may hesitate. But that’s when smart capital holds its ground.

At CF Capital, we don’t mistake noise for risk. We see opportunity in conviction, selectivity, and staying power.

If you want more than market noise—if you want alignment, discipline, and a partner that is building for 2030—let’s talk.

In multifamily commercial real estate (CRE), success rarely hinges on one big move. It’s the mindset—the invisible engine behind every decision—that separates operators who thrive from those who merely survive.

At CF Capital, we’ve found that three traits drive sustainable performance: Clarity, consistency, and mental resilience.

Clarity keeps us focused. In a world full of noise—market chatter, economic shifts, unexpected curveballs—clarity means knowing exactly what we’re building, who we’re serving, and why it matters. It’s not just about spotting good deals; it’s about aligning every move with a long-term strategy and a clear investment thesis. Without it, even great opportunities can become distractions.

Consistency builds trust—with investors, partners, and residents. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Showing up every day, executing the fundamentals, and doing what we said we’d do—even when no one’s watching—is what turns potential into performance. Over time, consistency compounds.

Then there’s mental resilience—arguably the most critical edge in this business. Real estate is cyclical. Capital markets shift. Deals fall apart. I still remember the first time a late-stage property inspection revealed a surprise seven-figure capital expenditure. What seemed like a manageable renovation suddenly became a major overhaul, forcing us to rework the entire business plan and investor presentation in a matter of days.

On another acquisition, a loan assumption with an agency lender dragged on for months past the original closing date. We had to maintain the seller’s trust, keep investors confident, and manage the property manager’s pre-closing work—all without knowing if the deal would even close. On top of that, a fire broke out late in the transaction process, impacting an entire building and delaying the closing by another two months while we negotiated a resolution.

In moments like those, frustration and doubt are inevitable. But we always return to what this work truly demands: resilience. Not blind optimism, but the ability to take the hit, adjust quickly, and move forward with clarity intact.

At CF Capital, we don’t just invest in assets—we invest in mindset. It’s how we navigate complexity, manage risk with discipline, and lead through uncertainty.

Markets will always fluctuate, but the right mindset anchors performance.

In the end, mindset isn’t fluff. It’s a real competitive advantage—the behind-the-scenes force that turns smart strategies into real-world results. And it’s something we work to cultivate across our team and deals—every single day.

In this market, hesitation is a risk you can’t afford.

Every quarter your capital sits still, you’re not just missing out—you’re losing ground to faster movers.

At CF Capital, we’re seeing it firsthand: those who act decisively are capturing long-term value while others watch from the sidelines. Multifamily real estate is full of dislocation-driven opportunities—but only for those ready to move.

Let’s talk numbers. Delaying a $1M investment by just 12 months—assuming a 7% annualized return—can cost you approximately $70K in missed growth. Stretch that delay to three years, and the opportunity cost compounds to over $225K. This isn’t theoretical. It’s the silent drag on performance most investors underestimate—until it’s too late.

Meanwhile, we’re leaning into what we call precision over prediction.

We’re not trying to time the market. We’re underwriting with discipline, sourcing creatively, and locking in high-conviction, off-market deals—often negotiated directly with owners in a tight credit environment. These aren’t generic assets—they’re strategic acquisitions with built-in upside, made possible by speed and clarity, not guesswork.

While some investors wait for a signal, we’re already positioning for the next cycle. And based on everything we’re seeing—from loan maturities to value-add inflection points—that cycle isn’t coming. It’s already here.

This blog is part of a broader Q3 initiative focused on capital formation and transparency. From our soon-to-launch Investor Insights Hub to in-depth white papers, webinars, and sharp commentary across social, we’re showing accredited investors and partners exactly how and where we’re deploying capital now.

Want in? Let’s talk.

Because long-term wealth isn’t built by watching. It’s built by stepping in—when it matters most.

Why Track Record & Discipline Matter More Than Ever

Multifamily investors are scrutinizing deals more closely than ever today.

As they should.

With loan maturities looming, elevated financing costs, economic unpredictability, and surging renter demand—investors are pushing sponsors to show more than a playbook. They want a defensible track record, stress-tested underwriting, and unwavering discipline.

Investors want to see consistent returns over multiple cycles. Beyond glossy IRRs, they want details: How did sponsorship teams manage cost overruns, leverage, refinancing brake points — and still deliver?

In a tightening capital market, disciplined underwriting is non‑negotiable. Sponsors need to run worst‑case scenarios on rent growth, occupancy, and future cap rate movements — not once, but routinely.

Success often lies in selecting the right markets. Institutional-grade sponsors identify locations with positive employment growth, supply pipelines under control, and resilient housing demand.

At the end of the day, nothing substitutes for “skin in the game.” Sponsors who co-invest signal conviction; those who don’t risk being seen as detached from outcomes.

How CF Capital Upholds These Standards
Established as an upper-Midwest and Southeast regional specialist, CF Capital’s formula is straightforward and practiced: source underperforming garden-style properties in growth MSAs → underwrite conservatively → reposition the asset with tactical value-add improvements → exit or refinance strategically.

Transparency & Investor-Centric Reporting
No surprises here. Investors receive monthly performance updates — including detailed financial reporting including P&L, general ledger, balance sheet, rent roll, unit renovation progress, and CAPEX project details, along with a detailed narrative on the state of the investment.

Our loan focus balances short- and long-term financing depending on asset type and business plan. Reserve budgeting (1–5% of purchase price) cushions against operational surprises, while stress testing supports refinancing discipline.

The firm’s co-founders, Tyler Chesser and Bryan Flaherty, bring hands-on experience as top-tier brokers and operators. Their leadership emphasizes integrity, purpose, excellence, and transparency — all built into CF’s core values.

What This Means for Investors

When investors scrutinize sponsors at the diligence table, CF Capital stands out — not through boastful claims, but through track record, discipline, and alignment:

• Resilient Markets – Targeting garden-style, value-add assets across the Midwest and Southeast, CF avoids overheated coastal supply zones.
• Operational Rigor – A methodical acquisition-to-reposition full-cycle playbook ensures repeatability and performance control.
• Investor-First Ethos – From co-investment to transparent communication, CF’s structure reflects shared outcomes, not sponsor-first returns.

Multifamily investors today demand more than just glossy brochures—they want hard evidence that a sponsor knows the terrain, plans for the rough patches, and aligns interests at every turn.

CF Capital delivers—with a consistent approach, scalable execution, and a team built to lead through cycles, not just ride the ups.

May Blog – Q2 Capital Markets Update

In today’s multifamily market, the difference between a good investment and a great one often comes down to how you capitalize—not just what you acquire.

The CF Capital approach is simple and focused: We combine deep market intelligence, disciplined execution, and a vertically integrated platform to create long-term value through multifamily real estate. That mindset is proving essential in 2025, as capital markets sit at a cautious crossroads.

Volatile treasuries, unclear Fed signals, and choppy economic data are keeping many investors on the sidelines. But we believe in precision over prediction. Rather than wait for clarity, we act with focus—backed by a rigorous investment framework and a clear understanding of where risk meets reward.

We’re navigating a “higher-for-longer” interest rate environment by revisiting our underwriting, staying nimble on pricing, and sharpening our assumptions around cap rates, rent growth and expenses. We’re structuring deals to perform across cycles—not just in ideal conditions.

Where are we active? In markets in our region with demographic momentum, constrained supply, and strong wage growth—areas where durable demand supports both income and asset value. And we’re using structured capital tools, including preferred equity at times and flexible financing, to optimize returns while protecting downside.

We’re also focused on opportunities emerging from the debt maturity wall. Assets with expiring low-rate loans are coming to market, and we’re targeting those with repositioning potential or refi-ready profiles.

One recent example is a property we acquired in the Midwest where we launched a focused value-add program - upgrading interiors and improving digital leasing workflows. That’s operational alpha in motion—measurable, material, and repeatable.

CF Capital is not a wait-and-see firm. We’re built to act—with an in-house team that spans acquisitions, asset management, construction, and property operations. That integration gives us the speed, control, and insight to move decisively, even when the broader market hesitates.

As always, our mission remains clear: connect and service capital to high-quality multifamily housing investments in the Midwest and Southeast. This means delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns through thoughtful investing and hands-on execution. In today’s climate, that means staying grounded in fundamentals, building for resiliency, and making prudent long term-oriented investment decisions.

Every great multifamily deal starts the same way: with smart capital, not just real estate.
At CF Capital, that’s where we begin.

In a market shaped by rising interest rates, evolving debt structures, and economic uncertainty—amplified by recent stock market volatility—our ability to navigate these forces is what turns good deals into great ones.

Capital markets are where equity and debt flow—through banks, private lenders, institutional players, and public markets. They determine the cost, structure, and availability of capital, driven by everything from Fed policy to market psychology.

For multifamily investors, this is where it starts. Your capital stack defines what you can buy, how you improve it, and what you’ll earn. In a market that’s always shifting, multifamily stays grounded—a resilient asset that keeps performing. And like any good ripple in still water, smart capital moves quietly but leaves a lasting mark.

But watching the market isn’t enough—we leverage it. Here’s how we turn knowledge into results.

• Strategic Timing
  We monitor interest rate cycles and lender sentiment to time our financing and refinancing—locking in the best terms, reducing costs, and preserving flexibility.
• Durable Capital Structures
  We structure for resilience. Balanced loan-to-value ratios, targeted use of preferred equity, and terms built to perform in both calm and volatile markets.
• Opportunity in Disruption
  Market shifts—rising cap rates, distressed assets, new financing channels—often reveal value others miss. We move early and decisively.
• Smart Risk Management
  Every deal starts with downside protection. From conservative underwriting and interest rate caps to capital efficiency and portfolio diversification—we build to withstand volatility while capturing upside.

Our recent investment in Island Club Apartments, a 314-unit waterfront community in the Indianapolis MSA, shows this strategy in action. We’re deploying $2.8 million in renovations on top of a prior $4.2 million repositioning—upgrading units, enhancing amenities, and elevating the resident experience.

The result: Stronger cash flow, increased asset value, and a durable return profile.

Our capital markets expertise gives investors an edge. We don’t chase returns—we build them. By anticipating trends and structuring intelligently, we reduce risk and generate consistent performance across the lifecycle of every asset.

Markets are tight. Rates are high. Uncertainty is real. But with the right strategy, that’s where the opportunity lives.

While equities swing, multifamily holds steady—and today, the ability to raise and deploy capital strategically is more critical than ever.

At CF Capital, we build value from the ground up—starting with disciplined, market-savvy capital strategies.