From Boston House Hacker to Large-Scale Syndicator: Chris Lento’s Multifamily Journey

In this episode, Brad sits down with Chris Lento, founder and managing member of EM Capital Group, to hear how he went from hacking a four-unit house in East Boston to managing large multifamily syndications across the Southeast. With over 18 years of experience in multifamily real estate, Chris shares hard-earned lessons, a few war stories, and why he's bullish on creative strategies like condo conversions and cell tower contracts.

 

🔑 Key Topics Covered:
How house hacking a Boston triplex launched Chris's investing career

What it's like managing your first tenants while living in the illegal in-law unit

The challenges of property management in tertiary markets (and how to avoid them)

Why mid-size multifamily (50–70 units) can be the toughest to manage

Behind the scenes of a downtown Columbia bank turned apartment complex

Leveraging condo conversions to maximize returns in high-end neighborhoods

Using a cell phone tower lease to boost NOI (and create a $750k liquidity event)

Lessons from doing 5 rounds of property management in 5 years

How Chris combines deep market familiarity with a lean, experienced team

 

💬 Memorable Quotes:
“Engineering taught me a lot, but real estate taught me how to deal with people—especially the ones who lie with emotion.” — Chris Lento

“We didn’t lose money on that deal, but we left a lot on the table. Property management made or broke the whole thing.” — Chris Lento

“When you convert from multifamily to condos, you’re changing the buyer pool. That’s where the value gets created.” — Chris Lento

 

🔗 Connect with Chris Lento:
📧 Email: chrislento@emcapitalgroup.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lento

 

🎙️ Connect with Host Brad Weaver:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradweaver