In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan talks with Daniel Angel-Mejia of Apex Investments about creating a real estate business that prioritizes structure, control, and steady returns. With experience that spans multiple asset classes and countries, Daniel shares how he’s grown from flipping homes to building rental portfolios and residential developments.
Investing With a Long-Term Lens
Daniel’s journey began in Colombia, where he worked in investment banking before joining a real estate development fund. That early exposure to financial modeling and institutional thinking shaped the way he evaluates deals today. After relocating to Atlanta, he saw an opportunity in single-family rehabs and began flipping homes as a side hustle. His disciplined approach to underwriting helped him quickly gain traction.
What started as side projects soon evolved into something bigger. Daniel and his partner launched Apex Investments and began syndicating single-family rental portfolios. They’ve since transitioned into multifamily value-add and new residential construction, with a focus on long-term sustainability over fast growth.
Building Control Through Integration
One of the biggest decisions Apex has made is to bring property management in-house. While many investors wait until they reach a certain unit count, Daniel believes that early integration creates operational control that pays off down the line, even if it doesn’t immediately show up in the numbers.
This mindset carries over into how Apex approaches construction. Whether building single-family homes for sale or rent, the team carefully plans materials, finishes, and layout with the end user in mind. Build-to-rent homes are designed for durability and flexibility, while for-sale units emphasize design and curb appeal.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Scaling doesn’t require abandoning single-family investing. Apex continues to develop one-off and small-portfolio homes alongside larger projects.
- Communication with tenants and communities can make or break a repositioning strategy.
- Ground-up development can offer greater control, especially when paired with internal property management.
- Starting in one market and focusing deeply, like Apex has done in metro Atlanta, can create significant deal flow and operational efficiency.
- Long-term success comes from marrying strong underwriting with boots-on-the-ground experience.
Daniel’s approach shows that with the right systems and mindset, investors can navigate market shifts, take on larger projects, and maintain steady returns, all without sacrificing quality or control.
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