The BTR Edge

The BTR Edge
Podcast Description
The BTR Edge is your go-to source for expert insights into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Single-Family Rental (SFR) markets. Hosted by Mark Allen and Lee Robinson, this podcast brings you unfiltered conversations with industry titans—developers, investors, lenders, and operators—who are shaping the future of rental housing.
Each episode dives deep into market trends, capital flows, development strategies, and operational best practices, giving listeners a competitive edge in the evolving BTR space. Whether you're a developer looking for the next hot market, an investor navigating capital markets, or an operator optimizing lease-ups, The BTR Edge delivers the insider knowledge you need to stay ahead.
Tune in to gain an edge in the BTR market!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers topics including market trends, capital flows, development strategies, and operational best practices. Episodes explore key issues such as financing strategies, site selection, and the future of BTR, with specific examples like the impact of investing in new developments and overcoming operational challenges.

The BTR Edge is your go-to source for expert insights into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Single-Family Rental (SFR) markets. Hosted by Mark Allen and Lee Robinson, this podcast brings you unfiltered conversations with industry titans—developers, investors, lenders, and operators—who are shaping the future of rental housing.
Each episode dives deep into market trends, capital flows, development strategies, and operational best practices, giving listeners a competitive edge in the evolving BTR space. Whether you’re a developer looking for the next hot market, an investor navigating capital markets, or an operator optimizing lease-ups, The BTR Edge delivers the insider knowledge you need to stay ahead.
Tune in to gain an edge in the BTR market!
Episode Overview:
In this episode of The BTR Edge, hosts Mark Allen and Lee Robinson are joined by Josh Hartmann, CEO of NexMetro, to explore the remarkable journey of building one of the most established platforms in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) industry. From engineering beginnings to pioneering horizontal multifamily, Josh shares how NexMetro has scaled its Avilla Communities brand across the U.S. with a data-driven approach, deep market insight, and a commitment to product consistency. The conversation dives into site selection, design evolution, funding strategies, and how NexMetro is navigating market challenges and investor expectations in 2024 and beyond.
Whether you’re a developer, investor, or real estate enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical lessons and high-level vision for the future of BTR.
Key Topics & Exact Timestamps
[02:51] Evolution of Build-to-Rent
[03:00] Key Differences Between Purpose-Built BTR and Single-Family Development
[06:59] How Cities Are Responding to BTR Projects
[07:00] Red Flags to Watch When Evaluating BTR Sites
[22:01] Regional Hotspots: Where BTR Is Growing Now
[26:56] 2024 Market Outlook and New Project Activity
[27:51] Trends Toward Hybrid and Mixed-Use BTR Communities
[28:24] Best Practices for Phasing and Sequencing Large BTR Projects
[32:29] How Developers Can Reduce Risk and Speed Up Approvals
[38:03] Using AI and Technology in Engineering
[39:43] Long-Term Maintenance: Private vs Public Infrastructure
[44:34] Final Advice for BTR Developers: Due Diligence and Team Selection
Stay tuned for more industry-shaping conversations on The BTR Edge—your competitive advantage in the Build-to-Rent space!

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