Multifamily investing remains one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, combining scale, predictable cash flow, and long-term stability. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan speaks with Kent Ritter, the CEO and founder of Hudson Investing, about the strategies that fuel success in today’s multifamily market.
Kent’s real estate journey began after he sold his healthcare consulting firm in 2015. With capital to allocate, he started investing passively in multifamily syndications. Those early experiences gave him firsthand knowledge of what distinguishes strong operators from weak ones. He also experimented with single-family rentals and house flipping, but over time, he recognized that multifamily offered greater efficiency and scalability. By 2019, he had shifted his full attention to multifamily and launched Hudson Investing.
One of Kent’s biggest strategic moves was bringing property management in-house. Frustrated with third-party managers who lacked accountability and alignment, Kent saw the opportunity to gain more control by building his own team. The shift allowed Hudson Investing to establish a culture that carried through to residents, improve operational transparency, and cut payroll costs across the portfolio. More importantly, it helped reduce turnover, one of the largest expenses in multifamily, and improve resident satisfaction.
Renovation planning is another area where Hudson Investing takes a measured approach. Rather than overspending on high-end finishes, Kent’s team invests in the touchpoints residents use every day: faucets, cabinet pulls, thermostats, and durable fixtures. This strategy provides residents with a sense of quality while maintaining affordability. On the exterior, Hudson Investing prioritizes curb appeal and amenities, understanding that first impressions set the tone for the entire resident experience.
Geographic focus has also played a significant role in the firm’s growth. While many investors chase hot markets in the Southeast, Hudson Investing has found consistent opportunity in the Midwest. States like Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky offer strong market fundamentals, lower volatility, and favorable supply-demand dynamics. Concentrating in this region has allowed Kent’s team to maximize the benefits of their in-house management model and capitalize on overlooked opportunities.
Beyond operations, Kent emphasizes the importance of investor relationships and community building. From the early days of raising money from friends and family to developing a wide-reaching network of accredited investors, transparency and education have been central to Hudson Investing’s approach. By creating a collaborative environment, Kent has fostered a community where investors not only benefit financially but also share resources, services, and expertise.
For passive investors, Kent’s experience highlights the importance of partnering with the right operator. For active investors, his story shows how thoughtful decisions in property management, renovations, and market focus can create sustainable growth. Multifamily real estate may not be as flashy as flipping houses, but with the right strategy, it can generate reliable returns and long-term wealth.
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