What does real estate leadership actually look like in today’s market?

In this episode of Did It Close?, we sit down with Elisabeth Soose, owner-operator and President of the Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (AAMP), to talk about leadership, advocacy, and what it really takes to operate in the multifamily space today.

Elisabeth shares her unconventional journey from physical therapy to real estate, and how a move to the UK completely reshaped her perspective on housing, community, and the role real estate plays in people’s lives. From there, we dive into her work with AAMP, including how the organization supports property owners, advocates on legislative issues, and builds a strong network across the Pittsburgh real estate community.

We also explore:

💡 The real role of apartment associations (and why they matter more than you think)

💡 How property owners can engage with local government and legislation

💡 The challenges of public perception in the rental housing industry

💡 Why empathy is a critical leadership skill in real estate

💡 How AAMP is making an impact through charitable initiatives like the Homeless Children’s Education Fund

One of the biggest takeaways? Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people.

As Elisabeth puts it: “Housing is emotional.”

If you’re a broker, investor, owner, or anyone working in commercial or multifamily real estate, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, communication, and building a lasting impact in your market.

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with top real estate operators and industry leaders.

#realestate #commercialrealestate #cre

In this episode of Did It Close?: Apartment After Hours, David Dirkschneider, Bryan McCann, and Reid Bennett break down one of the most important topics in today’s multifamily market: how to increase NOI (Net Operating Income).

With deals getting harder and buyers more selective, operators can no longer rely on market appreciation alone. Instead, they’re getting creative—finding new ways to drive revenue, improve operations, and maximize property value.

In this conversation, the team covers:

- Why “clean” deals are still trading (and others aren’t)

- The best value-add upgrades right now (including washer/dryer connections)

- How bulk internet programs can boost NOI

- The rise of “other income” (fees, tech packages, valet trash, and more)

- What amenities actually matter to renters in 2026

- Creative ways to structure deals and keep them alive

- Bonus depreciation and why it’s driving renewed investor interest

You’ll also hear real-world stories from the field, including how small operational tweaks can translate into major returns—and why some owners are “making a killing” on overlooked revenue streams.

If you’re a multifamily investor, broker, or operator looking to stay ahead in today’s market, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

👉 Subscribe for more real-world multifamily deal talk

👉 Comment below: What’s your best strategy for increasing NOI right now?

#MultifamilyInvesting #NOI #RealEstateInvesting #ApartmentInvesting #ValueAdd #CommercialRealEstate

What does it take to outperform during a financial crisis—and then walk away to build a $1B real estate platform?

In this episode of Did It Close?, we sit down with Bruce Fraser of Elkhorn Capital Partners to break down his journey from running a hedge fund during the 2008 financial crisis to becoming one of the most disciplined multifamily investors in the country.

While most investors were getting crushed in 2009, Bruce hit all-time highs—then pivoted into multifamily with a data-driven, risk-first approach that still guides his strategy today.

We dive into:

- Why most multifamily investors got it wrong in the past few years

- Fixed-rate vs floating-rate debt (and how it impacts your returns)

- Why he focuses on workforce housing instead of Class A assets

- How to identify markets with real pricing power

- The biggest mistakes investors are making right now

- His macro outlook on inflation, interest rates, and the economy

- And how personal adversity tested—and proved—his team and systems

Bruce also shares how his upbringing shaped his risk tolerance, why he’s obsessed with downside protection, and the exact mindset he uses to manage other people’s money.

If you’re a real estate investor, operator, or capital allocator, this is a masterclass in disciplined investing.