Welcome back to another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! Host Jasmine Trocchia sits down with Karl Krauskopf, founder of Gold Multifamily, for a candid discussion about real estate investing, portfolio diversification, and the power of business fundamentals in the multifamily space.

Karl shares his journey from a background in international business and corporate health care strategy to building a successful real estate investment company in the Pacific Northwest. Listeners will gain insight into the reasons behind his transition from residential redevelopment to value-add and turnkey multifamily properties, including the stability and scalability that come with long-term business planning.

Jasmine and Karl also explore practical advice for financial education—both for children and adults, the importance of self-education and entrepreneurial thinking, and the founding values that drive Gold Multifamily’s unique company culture. The duo discusses opportunities for self-directed IRA holders to invest passively in real estate, regardless of their geographic location, and what the current and future market trends might hold for multifamily investors.

Karl walks through what prospective investors should ask before getting involved, the role of due diligence, and why he believes the Seattle area offers unique advantages thanks to its strong tech-driven employment base. This episode is full of actionable wisdom for anyone interested in real estate, self-directed retirement accounts, or building a business with integrity and longevity.

Key takeaways:

1. Building Gold Multifamily: From Residential to Value-Add Multifamily: Karl shared his journey from working in health tech and running a residential remodel/development company to founding Gold Multifamily over six years ago. His company focuses on purchasing and operating multifamily properties, especially value-add projects where they improve Class B and C buildings, and recently ventured into Class A properties for further diversification.
2. Business Mindset and Education are Key: Both Karl's academic background (degrees in international business and an MBA) and his emphasis on continuous self-education played a big role in his success. He highlighted that self-education and entrepreneurial thinking at an earlier age could have accelerated his journey and he actively seeks to instill financial literacy and entrepreneurial concepts in his own daughter.
3. Investing Through IRAs: Flexibility and Structure: The conversation explored how Gold Multifamily’s projects can be an option for IRA investors, specifically self-directed IRA holders. Karl explained that investors select individual syndication deals (not funds), allowing them to choose their desired level of risk and diversification. Once invested, IRA participants are hands-off, ensuring compliance and true passive investment.
4. Market Trends: Northwest Focus and Nationwide Relevance: Karl discussed how the Pacific Northwest, particularly Seattle, is poised for opportunity due to slowdowns in new apartment construction and the tech-driven job market. While current market conditions are challenging for sellers, they present opportunities for buyers, with value growth expected in coming years. He emphasizes that, while some trends are local, similar cycles are emerging nationally as supply and demand rebalance.
5. Company Values: Relationships Matter: Karl highlighted the core values of Gold Multifamily, with “GOLD MF” serving as an acronym for the company’s principles (Growth, Obsession, Love-driven, impacting a Million Families, and Flourishing). He stressed that genuine care for employees, tenants, investors, and partners is crucial for long-term success, and that business connections should be rooted in respect and empathy—not just transactions.

Tune in