Why My New Role Is All About Making Multi-Market Investing Easier

This week’s blog comes to us from our National Sales Development Manager, Chris DeTreville.

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When I first got into real estate straight out of college, my world was one market, one neighborhood at a time. Today, more and more of our clients are thinking very differently:

“I like Columbia, but I also want exposure to Chattanooga.”

“I’m selling in Augusta to rebalance into Kansas City.”

“I’d like one team that understands my whole portfolio, not just one zip code.”

That shift is exactly why I’m excited about my new role as National Brokerage Sales Manager at Auben. My job is simple to describe, but big in practice: make multi-market investing easier and more efficient for buyers and sellers who want to be active in multiple markets as one aligned team.

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What I’m Seeing From Investors Right Now

Whether you’re buying your first SFR or repositioning a 100-door portfolio, a few themes keep coming up in conversations:

• You want diversification across markets—but not five different playbooks.
• You’re tired of re-explaining your strategy every time you talk to a new agent.
• You care about the back end (property management, turns, leasing) just as much as the front-end purchase price.

My background is in both sales and property management, and those years on the back end permanently changed the way I look at deals. I’ve seen what happens after closing when expectations weren’t aligned—or when the right questions never got asked. That 360° view is what I’m bringing into this national role.

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One Strategy, Many Markets

At Auben, we’re in multiple markets across the Southeast and beyond, and each one has its own personality—different rents, different tenant bases, different operator nuances.

My goal isn’t to flatten those differences. It’s to connect them under a common strategy so your experience feels like this:

• One playbook. Clear buy boxes, return targets, and risk tolerances that our agents reference in every market you touch.
• One language. Whether you’re looking at Columbia, Kansas City, or Jacksonville, you’re not decoding a new set of terms, pro formas, or expectations each time.
• One relationship. A core point of contact who understands your history, preferences, and portfolio—then plugs you into the right local specialist when you need boots on the ground.

Behind the scenes, that means better internal communication, shared data, and training so our team isn’t just operating in silos by city, but as one brokerage focused on investors.

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Making Buying Across Markets Smoother

Here are a few ways we’re working to improve the experience for buyers active in multiple markets:

• Aligned deal flow: Instead of sending random listings, we’re tightening how we filter opportunities so you see deals that really match your criteria—no matter which Auben market they’re in.
• Comparable, investor-focused underwriting: We’re leaning into consistent analysis so you can compare a Columbia duplex and a Chattanooga SFR on apples-to-apples terms.
• Clear expectations on operations: From estimated turns to likely rent ranges and management considerations, we’re integrating the property management view earlier in the process so there are fewer surprises after close.

If you’ve ever tried to piece together a multi-market strategy using five different brokerages and three different management companies, you already know how valuable that consistency can be.

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Serving Sellers With Portfolios That Cross State Lines

On the sell side, things get even more complex—and that’s where a multi-market investor brokerage can really earn its keep.

When we help owners sell portfolios, we’re not just asking, “What’s your price target?” We’re talking through:

• Which assets you truly want to exit—and which you may want to hold or 1031.
• How timing in one market affects capital you might want to redeploy elsewhere.
• The emotional side of selling a portfolio you’ve built over years—long-term vendors, tenant relationships, and pride of ownership.

My job in this new role is to make sure we can:

• Package and present portfolios in a way that resonates with buyers who are also thinking multi-market.
• Coordinate across cities so due diligence, access, and communication don’t become a tangle of conflicting calendars and processes.
• Match the right buyer to the right portfolio, whether they’re looking to deepen in one market or use your sale to plant a flag in several.

You shouldn’t feel like you’re herding cats every time you decide to sell across more than one city. We want to take that off your plate.

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Where AI and Best Practices Fit In

At IMN’s Single Family Rental conference in Scottsdale, I spoke on a panel about using AI and best practices to optimize property management, marketing, and turn. That topic ties directly into what we’re building on the brokerage side.

To be clear, I don’t believe AI replaces relationships or judgment—but it can help us:

• Spot patterns in your portfolio performance across markets.
• Surface the most relevant deals faster.
• Standardize communication and workflows so your experience feels consistent, even as you scale.

The goal is not “tech for tech’s sake.” It’s using tools in the background so that, on your end, things feel simpler, clearer, and more predictable. 

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What This Means for You

If you’re:

• A buyer looking to grow in more than one market,
• A seller thinking about bringing a multi-market portfolio to market, or
• An institutional or boutique fund looking for a partner who understands both brokerage and property management…

…I’d love to talk.

We’re still refining and improving our systems every week, but the north star is clear:

Make it easier for serious investors to buy, sell, and operate across multiple markets with one trusted team.

If that’s the experience you’ve been looking for, let’s connect and see how we can put Auben’s multi-market platform to work for you.

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Featured Articles

The Stress Test of Scaling

“No matter the question, the private equity answer is always the same: Does it scale? 
— Common Principle in Growth & Operations 

When I think about where Auben is today, I keep returning to a simple truth: investors look at returns, comps, cap rates, and structures — but what truly drives long-term performance is the operator’s ability to grow under stress. 

And right now, we are in one of those stress-test seasons. 

Not a crisis. 
Not a setback. 
A stress test — the kind that shows whether the systems, people, and leadership structures we’ve built are capable of supporting what comes next. 

I have been through versions of this before. And every time, I’m reminded that growth doesn’t feel good — even when it is good. 

Why Growth Feels Hard — Even When It’s Right 

In a business like ours — where Property Management, Project Management, Maintenance, and Sales all have to work in sync — growth isn’t clean. It introduces friction: 

• More doors 

• More processes 

• More systems 

• More people 

• More expectations 

Everyone feels that strain differently. 
Some weather it with a slight sway. Others feel like they’re underwater. 

Both are valid. Both matter. 

Mindset becomes the differentiator. 

“If you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” 
— Donald Caster, on growth mindset 

That quote has stuck with me. I’ve lived it. We don’t get to choose whether growth is uncomfortable, but we do get to choose how we show up inside the discomfort. 

The “No Man’s Land” Framework: What We’re Asking Ourselves Right Now 

I’ve been reading No Man’s Land, a book about what happens when a business leaves “small” but hasn’t yet entered “scalable.” 

It lays out six questions that I’ve been asking myself — and asking our teams: 

1. What are we truly great at? 

2. What do we offer that is genuinely unique? 

3. Are we growing based on capability or promises? 

4. Are we spending time cleaning up complexity we created? 

5. Which customers belong in our future — and which don’t? 

6. How do we simplify execution so our value proposition stays consistent and clear? 

For me, #6 is the one that keeps me up at night. 

Because simplifying how we communicate and how we execute is the difference between a company that grows with intention and one that grows into chaos. 

Simplification: The Edge Most Operators Ignore 

I’ve learned the hard way that complexity is a margin-killer. 
It slows execution, creates confusion, and fractures teams. 

So our focus right now is simple: 

• unify communication 

• build repeatable workflows 

• tighten roles and responsibilities 

• reduce handoffs 

• increase cross-functional clarity 

• define market-by-market expectations 

• standardize wherever possible 

This isn’t just “operations.” 
This is value creation. 

“Simplification is not a luxury — it is a prerequisite for durability.” 
— ACP Operating Thesis 

I believe that wholeheartedly. 

The Moment We’re In 

We are stepping into one of the most aligned growth windows Auben has ever had: 

• a new enterprise website 

• an evolving operating system 

• deepening integration across service lines 

• several large M&A conversations underway 

• expanding market leadership 

• a sharper understanding of the customers we want to serve 

• a company-wide commitment to operating excellence 

This is not a resting point — it is a turning point. 

We’re not trying to become a bigger version of what we’ve been. 
We’re building the platform we were meant to become. 

People Are the Engine 

Behind every metric — every unit, every rehab, every service request — is a person experiencing this growth cycle in real time. 

So I’m asking our teams directly: 

“What do you need to thrive during this phase of growth?” 

The goal isn’t to grow at people — it’s to grow with them. 

Strong operators build strong teams. 
Strong teams build strong systems. 
Strong systems deliver durable returns. 

Looking Ahead 

Growth at Auben has never been accidental. 
It comes from discipline, clarity, and an unapologetic willingness to evolve. 

As we move forward, our focus is clear: 

• Grow with discipline 

• Support the people doing the hard work 

• Simplify wherever possible 

• Integrate across all operating functions 

• Deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes in every market 

That’s how we build something durable. 
That’s how we create real value. 
That’s how operators become platforms — and platforms become category leaders. 

Closing Perspective 

“After my greatest struggles have come my greatest successes.” 

Auben was born in one of the hardest seasons of my life. 
What felt like failure was actually the beginning. My wife helped me understand that. 

And today, I believe we are standing at another one of those inflection points. 

This stress test is not a breaking point. 
It’s preparation — the strengthening of our systems, our people, and our ability to deliver long-term value for those who trust us. 

We’re building something that lasts. 
And we’re doing it together.

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Featured Articles

Building Connections and Gaining Insights in Kansas City

This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending both the ACA and MAREI meetings in Kansas City. It was a full day packed with valuable conversations, insightful takeaways, and incredible networking opportunities.

At ACA, I connected with a wide range of investors, vendors, and industry experts. It’s always energizing to be surrounded by professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of real estate—especially those who are eager to collaborate, share knowledge, and grow together. The conversations were not only informative but also inspiring, reminding me of just how many different paths and strategies exist within this dynamic industry.

The evening MAREI meeting was another highlight. The roundtable setup was both innovative and highly effective. Each table featured an expert in a specific facet of real estate investing, creating a dynamic environment where attendees could ask targeted questions, share their goals, and receive real-time guidance from seasoned professionals. Whether you were just starting your investing journey or looking to scale your portfolio, there was something to gain at every table.

What stood out most from the day was the quality of the networking. I made many new connections, each one opening doors to potential partnerships, shared resources, and business referrals. It was more than just a chance to exchange business cards—it was about building meaningful relationships with people who are aligned in values, goals, and vision.

As always, I left feeling grateful to be part of such a collaborative and forward-thinking community. I’m looking forward to staying in touch with the many new friends I met and seeing how we can support one another in the months to come.

Connect with Alli if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Kansas City or Texas region!

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Alex’s Takeaways from IMN’s 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) industry has garnered considerable attention recently, with significant discussions about its growth and challenges. The Build-to-Rent East Conference provided an excellent platform for exploring the key trends and challenges shaping the industry. Let’s explore the highlights from the event and what lies ahead for this rapidly evolving sector.

A Positive Outlook for the Future of Build-to-Rent

Despite the current challenges, there’s an overarching sense of optimism surrounding the future of the Build-to-Rent industry. Developers, investors, and operators at the conference all expressed confidence in the long-term potential of BTR. The demand for rental properties is expected to remain high, particularly in urban areas, making the sector an attractive investment opportunity.

However, the path forward isn’t without its hurdles, and these challenges must be addressed to ensure the industry’s sustainability and profitability.

Challenges: Rising Costs and Market Conditions

The current market conditions are testing the resilience of Build-to-Rent projects. With rising interest rates, increasing building costs, and climbing insurance rates, many developers are finding it harder to make projects financially viable. In particular, these factors are making it difficult for some to get their projects “to pencil”—a term used to describe a project that is financially feasible and able to generate the desired returns.

While these conditions may present short-term obstacles, they also highlight the need for strategic planning and innovation in the development process. BTR operators are compelled to be more creative and efficient in their project approach, focusing on cost-control measures and operational efficiency to deliver value.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Control: The Key to Success

In the current climate, operational efficiency and cost control are more important than ever. For operators and investors to see results and meet their return expectations, focusing on these elements is essential. This means adopting smart building technologies, optimizing management processes, and ensuring that the entire lifecycle of a property—from development to day-to-day operations—is as cost-effective as possible.

In an environment with slim margins, the ability to run a tight operation can make or break a project’s success. Efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s also about delivering quality to residents while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.

Hot Markets: The Midwest and Kansas City

One of the most exciting takeaways from the conference was the emergence of Midwest markets, particularly Kansas City, as hotspots for Build-to-Rent projects. These markets have become increasingly attractive due to their affordability, steady population growth, and job growth, as well as promising return metrics.

With many East and West Coast cities becoming saturated and expensive, developers are turning their attention to more affordable markets that still offer strong growth potential. Kansas City, for example, has seen a surge in interest from both investors and operators looking for areas with lower upfront costs but strong long-term potential.

The Midwest’s appeal lies in its balance of affordability and growth, providing a great opportunity for BTR projects to flourish while delivering solid returns.

Rethinking the Traditional Multifamily Model

The traditional multifamily pricing structure and operational model are increasingly proving to be obsolete and too expensive for current operators. As the market evolves, so too must our approach to pricing, property management, and returns.

The traditional approach to pricing rents and managing multifamily properties may no longer meet the demands of today’s market. Instead, more innovative approaches are needed, especially for operators looking to compete in a tightening market. Operators are under pressure to reduce overhead and increase operational efficiencies while still providing quality living spaces for residents.

Auben Realty’s Innovative Property Management Pricing Structure

One company leading the charge in adapting to this new environment is Auben Realty. The company has developed an innovativeproperty management pricing structure that minimizes owner expenses while still ensuring that performance targets are met. Their approach aims to provide a sustainable and efficient model for operators seeking to maximize returns while maintaining high standards of service and quality for residents.

Auben’s solution could be a game-changer for the industry, helping operators navigate the current challenges and optimize their financial outcomes without sacrificing quality or performance.

Conclusion

While the Build-to-Rent industry faces some headwinds, there is no doubt that the future holds great promise for those who can adapt to current market conditions. With a focus on operational efficiency, cost control, and innovative pricing structures, the industry can overcome current challenges and continue to thrive in the years ahead.

The Midwest, particularly Kansas City, represents exciting new markets for BTR development, offering affordability, growth, and strong returns. As the industry evolves, companies like Auben Realty are setting the bar for smarter, more sustainable property management practices, proving that there is always room for innovation—even in a challenging market.

The future of Build-to-Rent looks bright, and those who can navigate the current landscape with strategic foresight will be well-positioned for success.

Connect with Alex to keep up with his thoughts, insights and business expertise!

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Insights, Innovations, and Networking

Attending the NARPM conference was an incredible experience, filled with learning opportunities, meaningful networking, and exposure to the latest industry innovations. Whether it was engaging with peers, discovering new technologies, or gathering practical tips to enhance operations, this conference proved to be a valuable investment in professional growth.

One of the greatest benefits of attending NARPM is the chance to connect with like-minded professionals. From management company leaders to supplier partners, the conference provided a platform to discuss challenges, share successes, and build relationships that can foster long-term collaborations. 

The conference featured a lineup of insightful sessions covering a wide range of topics relevant to property management. These sessions provided actionable takeaways, including best practices for operational efficiency, resident retention strategies, and compliance updates. It was particularly beneficial to learn from experienced industry leaders who shared their successes and challenges, giving real-world examples.

Another great part of the conference that we enjoyed was discovering the latest technology solutions offered by vendor partners. The innovations presented at the conference underscored how technology continues to transform property management. Staying ahead of these advancements ensures that property managers and owners can optimize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the resident experience.

The NARPM conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning and industry engagement. The insights gained, the relationships formed, and the technologies explored all contribute to the ongoing evolution of property management. Taking the time to step away from daily operations and immerse in a learning-focused environment is an investment that pays dividends in knowledge, efficiency, and industry leadership.

For those who have never attended a NARPM conference, I highly recommend making it a priority in the future. The value of learning from peers, gaining new insights, and staying on top of industry trends is immeasurable.  I’ll be applying the lessons learned and staying connected with the amazing professionals I met along the way!

Connect with Alli if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Kansas City or Texas region!

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Key Takeaways from IMN’s 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East

The 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent (BTR) Forum East, held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on March 17-18, convened over 1,000 professionals from the BTR, land, and homebuilding sectors.

Recent trends in the build-to-rent (BTR) market reveal evolving renter preferences as we move through 2025. A notable shift is the increase in renters who choose to rent by preference rather than necessity, rising from 27% in 2023 to 36% in 2024. Despite this growing preference for renting, cost sensitivity remains high among BTR residents. Approximately 43% of these residents indicated they would relocate if they found a better deal or lower rent elsewhere.

Key Highlights from the Conference:

1. Market Sentiment and Networking: The forum provided attendees with valuable insights into market dynamics and facilitated networking among industry leaders. Participants emphasized the importance of these interactions in staying abreast of market trends and forging strategic partnerships.
2. Focus on Financing Strategies: Discussions centered on private equity, debt structures, and joint venture financing within the land and homebuilding sectors. These conversations highlighted the evolving financial landscape and the need for adaptable strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
3. Technological Integration: The integration of technology in property management emerged as a significant theme. Innovations such as AI-driven predictive maintenance tools, smart home features, and advanced resident engagement platforms are increasingly essential in enhancing operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
4. Product Diversification: The conference highlighted a shift towards more diverse BTR offerings, including attached products like townhomes. This diversification aims to address varying consumer preferences and affordability concerns, thereby broadening the market appeal of BTR developments.
5. Economic Outlook: Experts discussed the potential impact of anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the BTR sector. A lower cost of capital is expected to stimulate development activity and attract increased investor interest, contributing to the sector’s growth in the coming years.

The individual panels had much to say about AI’s role in transforming the BTR landscape, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation and create value for both operators and residents.
However, 35% of landlords cite cost as a barrier to adopting new tools, indicating a need for affordable tech solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

1. AI-Powered Smart Leasing & Renewals
   • AI-driven chatbots and virtual leasing agents handle inquiries, schedule tours, and process applications in real time.
   • Predictive analytics optimize rental pricing based on market trends and tenant demand.
   • Personalized lease renewal offers are generated based on individual tenant behavior, improving retention rates.
2. Automated Property Management & Predictive Maintenance
   • AI-enabled systems detect maintenance issues before they become costly repairs, such as HVAC failures or plumbing leaks.
   • Smart scheduling assigns maintenance requests to technicians efficiently, reducing response times.
   • AI-powered cameras and sensors enhance security, monitoring unauthorized access and detecting anomalies.
3. Smart Home Integration & Personalized Living
   • AI adjusts lighting, heating, and cooling based on resident preferences and occupancy patterns, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
   • Voice-activated AI assistants manage smart home features, from appliance controls to entertainment systems.
   • Facial recognition and biometric access provide secure and seamless entry to homes and shared amenities.

Overall, the 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent Forum East underscored the sector’s resilience and adaptability. By embracing innovative financing, technological advancements, and diversified product offerings, the BTR industry is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands and continue its growth trajectory.

Connect with Jason if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Chattanooga region!

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Opportunity in Uncertainty?

There have been numerous developments in the news recently, all of which could have a significant impact on homeowners, investors, and residents. But while the current environment may be uncertain, Auben firmly believes that uncertainty can present opportunities for learning, knowledge and investment growth.

Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to consistently building a strong foundation of comprehensive property management (and coming soon asset management!) services that empower the people in our organization to serve our clients effectively-regardless of market conditions. We’ve learned from our mistakes and we’ve continued to do the hard work to improve our operations and team to benefit our residents, our clients and our communities.

Especially during volatile times, we believe it’s vital to stay informed and this is the purpose of us curating these weekly news articles listed below. Equally important to information is for investors to align with a multi-market cycle, battle-tested manager experienced in always harvesting yield and equity growth. Challenging markets require experienced managers and our rapidly expanding team has been operating residential rentals for decades.

We are committed to continuing to search for the best market-neutral, value-add opportunities in the country in the most stable markets, so we can better support our clients throughout their investment journey. Unlike other property managers who focus on ensuring their managed units don’t leave management, our goal is and has always been to help investors achieve the best returns and navigate current market conditions simultaneously uncovering opportunities to optimize their rental asset/s and/or migrate their capital to better markets.

For expert guidance through this evolving landscape in the markets we serve, reach out to Auben — your local real estate investment specialists.

We’re also excited to announce that two of our team members will be attending IMN’s BFR East next week in Nashville! We look forward to sharing their insights on the conference upon their return next week!

The Developments

Cost-Cutting Measures from the Top Down

The Trump administration has announced intentions to cut costs across various federal programs. This move has resulted in impending closures of HUD offices and the termination of certain contracts, raising concerns about the support available for low-income housing and affordable housing initiatives.

Midwest: The Bright Spot for Growth

Amidst these challenges, the Midwest is emerging as the top market for growth. With its combination of affordable living and job opportunities, the region is expected to attract more investments and residents looking for stability.

Interested in tapping into the strategic investment potential of the Midwest? Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this thriving landscape. Contact our Kansas City expert, Alli Malliton, today to discover how you can take advantage of the opportunities waiting for you in the Midwest.

The Issue of Supply vs. Demand

Contrasting the growth potential, new apartment supplies are currently sitting idle, indicating a mismatch between supply and demand. Despite a rise in asking rents, the market appears saturated in some areas, posing a dilemma for developers and investors.

Tariffs: Double-Edged Sword

Tariffs are also making waves in the housing sector. While some tariffs are boosting real estate by incentivizing domestic production, others are increasing material costs, contributing to the overall expense of construction and renovation.

Investor Interest at a Low

Interestingly, investor home sales are currently low, which may reflect broader economic uncertainties or a strategic pause by investors waiting for market conditions to improve.

Orlando Stands Out

In contrast to the national trends, Orlando has cemented its position as a top multifamily market. With its appealing lifestyle and consistent demand for rental properties, Orlando is a beacon of opportunity.

Millennials Feeling the Pinch

Finally, the ongoing housing shortage is having a significant impact on millennials. Many are struggling to find affordable housing, which affects their ability to purchase homes and integrate into the housing market.

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