Ep. 019: From Mentorship to Mastery: Brandon's Journey in Multifamily Investing
Dustin sits down with Brandon Jenkins on today’s episode. Brandon’s journey into the multifamily real estate space has been one of strategic learning, intentional networking, and adding value to the industry. His experience highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and aligning oneself with the right teams to accelerate growth.
The Role of Mentorship and Community
Mentorship and community have played a critical role in Brandon’s success. His first formal mentorship experience was through a summer group, which he continues to be a part of as a PM student. In addition to structured mentorship, he has participated in smaller groups and informal networks that provide valuable insights and connections. Recognizing the power of collaboration, he has also been involved in launching a new platform to support investors.
For Brandon, being part of an investor ecosystem is essential. Having access to experienced peers allows him to quickly gain insights, troubleshoot challenges, and avoid costly mistakes. The ability to reach out to others for feedback and guidance is an invaluable resource that has helped him navigate the complexities of real estate investing. He emphasizes the importance of getting plugged into a network of investors who are already operating at a high level, as this exposure accelerates learning and business growth.
The Vision for the Future
Brandon’s long-term vision is centered around growth and expansion. While he has primarily focused on co-GP opportunities in the past—partnering with experienced teams who have well-established systems—his goal is to lead more deals himself. He is working to scale his firm, Birch Prosper, with the aim of executing about one deal per quarter.
As part of his growth strategy, he has considered vertical integration but remains uncertain about fully committing to that model. Instead, he is exploring the possibility of partnering with a close friend who is acquiring businesses, including a property management company. This partnership could help streamline operations and build a more robust infrastructure for Birch Prosper. Additionally, he plans to make his first hire by the end of the year, further strengthening the foundation for higher deal flow and more efficient management.
Advice for Aspiring General Partners (GPs)
For those looking to break into the industry as a GP, Brandon emphasizes the importance of clearly communicating the value one can bring to an established team. Experienced operators typically have most of the necessary components in place, so newcomers must identify specific areas where they can provide meaningful contributions. For instance, being local to a target market and having strong relationships with brokers can be a major advantage.
Instead of approaching experienced investors with a request for mentorship, aspiring GPs should demonstrate their value upfront. Before actively pursuing co-GP opportunities, Brandon focused on establishing credibility and adding value through initiatives like his podcast. By expanding the reach of potential partners and introducing them to his network, he was able to help them grow their investor base. This proactive approach made him a valuable asset, opening doors to partnership opportunities.
Conclusion
Brandon’s journey offers a roadmap for those looking to succeed in multifamily investing. His experience underscores the importance of mentorship, community, and strategic partnerships. By surrounding himself with experienced investors, identifying ways to contribute meaningfully, and consistently taking action, he has positioned himself for long-term success.
For aspiring investors, the key takeaway is clear: success in real estate is built on education, relationships, and a willingness to add value before expecting opportunities in return.
