How to Identify Multifamily Investment Opportunities in Today’s Challenging Market: Insights from Zane Schartz
- NCC IQ
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
The multifamily sector has been one of the strongest-performing segments in U.S. real estate for more than a decade, yet rising interest rates and tighter lending standards are reshaping the investment landscape. At the upcoming NCC IQ “ReInvested: Navigating Growth, Risk, and Return in U.S. Multifamily Real Estate” virtual event, investors, operators, and developers will gather to examine how to source, structure, and execute multifamily opportunities under today’s financial pressures.
Among the leaders sharing their perspective is Zane Schartz, Founder of Freedom Commercial Real Estate, who brings deep expertise in private equity real estate. Over the last eight years, Schartz has managed six commercial real estate funds spanning more than 70 assets, with over $700 million in assets under management. His direct oversight of $175 million in commercial assets and partnership interests in an additional $300 million positions him as a trusted voice on capital allocation and yield generation in multifamily.
On November 16, 3:10-4:00 PM EST, Zane will join the panel, “The Hunt for Yield: Finding Multifamily Deals in a High-Cost Capital Environment.” The discussion will focus on practical frameworks for investors and sponsors aiming to balance risk and return while contending with a higher cost of capital.
Current Market Dynamics
Rising borrowing costs have reshaped acquisition models across U.S. multifamily. Lenders are demanding greater equity commitments, while investors must sharpen underwriting assumptions. Cap rates have shown modest expansion, yet transaction volumes remain constrained as sellers and buyers work through pricing disconnects.
At the same time, demand drivers for multifamily housing remain resilient. Demographic shifts, ongoing affordability challenges in single-family ownership, and population growth in key Sun Belt and secondary markets continue to support long-term fundamentals. The challenge is aligning capital with deals that pencil under higher financing expenses.
Session Information Table
Topic | Key Considerations |
Interest Rates | Higher borrowing costs are reshaping deal structures and underwriting assumptions. |
Cap Rates | Modest expansion observed, but pricing disconnects continue between buyers and sellers. |
Equity Requirements | Lenders requiring larger equity contributions to balance risk. |
Market Focus | Secondary and tertiary markets offering relative yield advantages. |
Opportunities | Value-add, distressed assets, recapitalizations, and operational efficiency plays. |
Strategies to Identify Yield
During the session, Zane and fellow panelists are expected to discuss several themes shaping the current investment cycle:
Targeting value-add opportunities where capital expenditures can enhance rent growth beyond market averages.
Evaluating secondary and tertiary markets that offer stronger relative yields compared to core gateway cities.
Structuring creative financing solutions, including preferred equity or joint venture partnerships, to reduce upfront equity requirements.
Assessing operational efficiencies to drive net operating income even in stabilized assets.
Timing acquisitions strategically, with a focus on distressed or recapitalization opportunities as loans mature.
Why Attend NCC IQ’s ReInvested Event?
The virtual conference will convene 40+ senior executives, investors, developers, operators, and policy leaders from across the U.S. multifamily ecosystem. Participants will gain access to diverse perspectives from organizations including Rise48 Equity, RealPage, Multifamily Acquisition Advisors, Carbon, 1031 Specialists, Encore Real Estate Investment Services, DD Capital Advisors, Peak 15 Capital, and Cory Executive Recruiting.
With capital costs pressuring margins and transaction volumes, the ability to hear directly from professionals like Zane Schartz, who has successfully scaled funds and navigated capital markets — provides practical knowledge for anyone active in multifamily real estate. The event offers more than theory. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to source deals, mitigate risk, and position portfolios for long-term growth.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute, and shall not be construed as, an offer, invitation, or solicitation to purchase, acquire, subscribe for, sell, or otherwise dispose of any real estate investments, securities, or related financial instruments. Nothing contained herein should be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific investment strategy or opportunity. Furthermore, this communication does not represent, and shall not be deemed to constitute, the issuance, sale, or transfer of any real estate interests in any jurisdiction where such actions would be in violation of applicable laws, regulations, or licensing requirements.
About NCC IQ
NCC IQ is the official real estate eLearning platform of NCC (Northstar Capital & Co.), developed to support the ongoing education and advancement of industry professionals. The platform offers a robust mix of premium and complimentary resources—including on-demand videos, live virtual events, industry podcasts, eBooks, and expert-authored articles—designed to deliver actionable insights and practical tools. Stay informed by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest educational content and market updates.
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