In this episode of PlotLines, we’re joined by Dave Seymour, CEO of Freedom Venture Investments, for an unfiltered look at the state of multifamily investing and why education, discipline, and accountability matter now more than ever. A former firefighter and paramedic turned private equity leader, Dave’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. From the financial struggles of his early years to hosting the hit TV show Flipping Boston, he shares how every setback became a lesson in preparation and grit.
Facing the Market with Eyes Wide Open
Dave doesn’t sugarcoat the current market conditions: distressed assets are coming. With more than $1.7 trillion in multifamily commercial notes showing signs of strain, Freedom Venture is preparing for a period of opportunity, but only for those ready to act with capital and clarity.
As Dave puts it, “We’re going into that cash is king phase of the cycle. The ones who’ve stayed disciplined will come out stronger.” He emphasizes that success starts with honesty, about underwriting, risk, and the difference between aggressive projections and grounded reality. “If you’re showing double-digit rent growth but ignoring rising expenses, you’re not modeling — you’re misleading,” he says.
Restoring Trust Through Education
Another theme that runs throughout the conversation is accountability in private equity. For Dave, the antidote to bad actors and opaque deals is investor education. Freedom Venture’s growing educational platform is designed to empower investors. “When people understand the fundamentals, they ask the right questions,” he explains. “That’s when you have real two-way accountability between investors and operators.” Dave’s mission is clear: to give investors the confidence to navigate complex markets and make informed, impact-driven decisions.
Global Perspective, Local Opportunity
Dave also sheds light on his work with international investors, noting that U.S. multifamily assets continue to attract attention, even from markets long accustomed to negative yields. But these relationships require education and trust. “The returns we see here can look too good to be true to someone overseas,” Dave says. “Our job is to show them the data, the discipline, and the transparency behind those results.”
Rewriting the Headline
When asked to rewrite the headline for today’s multifamily market, Dave keeps it simple:
“If you said you were going to do a thing — do the thing.” It’s more than a mantra; it’s a business philosophy. From leading his investors to managing his team, Dave believes follow-through is the true measure of integrity.
Listen to the full episode of PlotLines featuring Dave Seymour, CEO of Freedom Venture Investments.
