The Equity REM Team
Our Team Of Multifamily And Apartment Complex Management Professionals
The EREM team is comprised of real estate professionals that come from a variety of industry backgrounds. From serial real estate entrepreneurs and investors to professionals with various experience and certifications such as HCCP, CPO, and NCP, we have the people to successfully manage your apartment complex or multifamily real estate investment. You can read more about the staff and their bios below.
Team Members
Tessa Frank – President/Managing Partner
Tessa started her career in property management in 2009, managing affordable housing. Earning several affordable housing accreditations over the years including, Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) and a National Compliance Professional (NCP). She went on to eventually become the Director of Operations for a company out of Michigan where she oversaw affordable housing properties across multiple states. During this time, she assisted with ground-up development, completed lease-ups, acquisitions and dispositions and was responsible for all aspects of property operations.
In 2019 she left the affordable housing world for a new role as Vice President of Operations for market rate multi-family housing. Spending several years here leading large teams, she focused on acquisitions, stabilizing turbulent properties, oversaw multi-million-dollar capital projects and property dispositions. She earned her Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation in 2020 as well as her North Dakota Real Estate License in 2021. and South Dakota Real Estate License in 2023.
She continued her professional growth by entering hospitality, to eventually oversee hotels and vacation rentals as well as staying with what she was most enthusiastic about – multifamily and apartment complex management. A firm believer of leading by example, her teams have looked to her on how to approach their job with passion, empathy, and drive. Tessa believes her team is her biggest asset and will do whatever it takes to make them successful, while also building strong relationships and having fun.
Tessa has always loved the outdoors and grew up in the Mountains of Western Montana. She enjoys hiking, snowboarding, river floating, traveling, and trying new foods (and wine). She takes Momm-ing seriously too, when she isn’t working, she’s with her three kids, taking them on new adventures and watching them grow.
Shellie Linn – VP of Talent Operations
Shellie’s professional journey showcases a remarkable trajectory marked by her dedication and adaptability within the realm of hospitality sales, property management and affordable housing development.
She started her professional career in 2003 in hospitality sales as the Director of Sales for a large corporate hotel chain. She transitioned into property management in 2005, starting as a Property Manager in conventional multi-housing. She was promoted to Corporate Trainer in 2006 where she was instrumental in creating and implementing new training programs for a company with 9,000 + apartment homes located in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.
In 2012 she entered the Affordable Housing arena as Regional Manager for a large company in Sioux Falls, SD, earning multiple accreditations and certifications over the years in HUD, Tax Credit, HOME and Rural Development. She also earned and holds her Property Management License with the SD Real Estate Commission in the state of South Dakota.
In 2018, Shellie started working as an Affordable Housing Development Consultant. While in this role she evaluated local and state funding opportunities for project development and availability of services to creatively utilize multiple sources of funding. She was responsible for all aspects of the project.
In 2020 Shellie started working as the Area Director for a large regional office in Sioux Falls, SD, overseeing all operations for the 27 properties in the portfolio. Shellie worked to recruit, develop, guide and coach District Managers, Community Managers and other team members to achieve outstanding results and become A players.
Shellie’s most recent role was as the Director of Property Management for a Sioux Falls, SD based company overseeing 1,800+ apartment homes located in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD. While in this role, she was responsible for the overall strategic direction, operation, and profitability of a Class A portfolio.
Shellie is a relationship builder and believes the best way to lead her team is by mentoring and coaching them. She creates an environment to foster accountability and have fun. She started her career in multifamily and apartment complex property management not fully realizing the profound impact she would have on the lives she touched or the impression it would leave on her. She has been humbled by the experience and the opportunity to give others a feeling of pride and security by offering a dignified housing solution.
Shellie grew up and went to high school in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary in ND. She has lived in the Sioux Falls area for over 15 years and resides in Hartford, SD with her family to include her significant other, 4 boys and 1 fur baby. She loves spending time with her family, the outdoors, reading and yoga.
Courtney Jacoby - Regional Operations Director
Yeneri is the Regional Operations Director for the Houston Region, bringing over a decade of hands-on multifamily property management experience and a strong track record of operational and team leadership. She began her career in Houston as a leasing agent and worked her way up through dedication, performance, and a deep understanding of community operations.
Throughout her career, Yeneri has successfully managed and stabilized Class B, C, and D assets, consistently improving NOI, boosting occupancy, and elevating overall operational efficiency. She has served as both a Regional Operations Director and Ambassador, where she led multiple teams and communities through growth and transition periods with outstanding results.
Known for her commitment to excellence and strong team-building skills, Yeneri focuses on developing high-performing teams and driving a collaborative, accountable culture. She takes pride in maximizing both asset performance and team potential. Yeneri is also certified through the Blue Star Multi-Housing Program with the Houston Police Department (HPD), underscoring her commitment to maintaining safe, high-quality living environments for residents.
She is passionate about mentoring, leading by example, and building operational systems that support long-term success. Her leadership style is rooted in integrity, consistency, and a deep respect for her team and the communities she serves.
Outside of work, Yeneri is a proud mom of two and a dedicated soccer mom. She enjoys spending time with her family, staying active outdoors, playing soccer, and attending mass together on the weekends. Her personal and professional life is guided by faith, family, and a passion for growth.
Justice VanThuyne
With nearly 10 years of experience in Property Management, Justice specializes in technology integration and operational optimization for multi-site property portfolios. Starting her career at a Class C property, she quickly advanced through various roles due to her strong work ethic and technical expertise. Justice currently works at Equity Real Estate Management (EREM), focusing on enhancing technology and digital media marketing across multiple properties.
In her role, she drives technology initiatives that streamline workflows and improve property management efficiency. Proficient in Entrata property management software, Justice leads system integrations, optimizes settings, and trains staff on digital tools for resident engagement and leasing management.
Her extensive project management experience enables her to coordinate multi-phase projects, manage vendor relationships, and meet timelines and budgets while ensuring resident satisfaction. Additionally, she excels in digital marketing and social media management, crafting strategies that boost brand visibility and attract new residents.
Justice also plays a critical role in onboarding new properties, ensuring seamless technology integrations and adherence to company standards. She trains staff on management systems and optimizes digital workflows for efficiency.
Committed to professional growth, Justice returned to Western Dakota Technical Institute in 2021, earning a diploma in Bookkeeping in 2022 and an associate’s degree in accounting in 2023. She previously earned an associate’s degree in business management and marketing in 2018, making her a well-rounded leader in the industry.
Outside of work, Justice enjoys camping, kayaking, and riding 4-wheelers with her family. She resides in Rapid City, SD, with her husband, two children, and their three dogs and two cats, balancing her professional achievements with her passion for family life.
Stephanie Nettinga – Regional Operations Director
Stephanie is a seasoned property management professional with 15 years of experience, having entered the industry in 2009. Growing up in Tyndall, SD, Stephanie developed a strong work ethic and dedication that has propelled their successful career. Starting as a leasing agent, Stephanie worked her way up to Regional Director, leveraging her expertise and passion for property management. Along the way, she became a certified CAM and a licensed property manager for the state of South Dakota.
A strong team builder, Stephanie takes pride in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, earning the loyalty and respect of her employees. One of the most rewarding aspects of Stephanie’s career is her love for statistics and analytics, often “nerding out” over data-driven insights to optimize operations and decision-making.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys being a cheer mom, attending her daughter’s cheer competitions, and spending quality time with her husband and two daughters, along with their dog and cat. A lifelong book lover, you can always find Stephanie with a book in hand whenever she’s not immersed in property management. Her blend of professional expertise and personal interests makes her a well-rounded and dedicated individual, both in and out of the office.
Nick Boden – Executive Assistant
Nick started his career right after his graduation from Texas Christian University in 2017, with a bachelor’s degree in finance & Real Estate. Beginning as a Middle Market Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co, Nick swiftly honed his financial acumen, evaluating intricate financial information and risks for multimillion-dollar commercial loan requests for public and private companies.
In 2020, Nick transitioned to a national multifamily firm based in Miami, FL, as an Acquisition Analyst. His strategic insights played a pivotal role in property acquisitions worth over $300 million across the Midwest, Southwest, and Central states. He excelled in underwriting, diligently conducting due diligence for various acquisition opportunities, including multifamily, hospitality, single-family, and mixed-use assets.
Nick’s journey then led him to Cypress Equity Investments, where he served as a Senior Development Associate until 2023. At CEI, he was at the forefront of deal underwriting, acquisition and pre-development efforts in Texas, amassing a pipeline value exceeding $1 billion.
Outside of real estate, Nick is a man of diverse interests. He’s committed to staying fit through regular workouts, and he embraces adventure and creativity with his passion for wake-surfing and music production. Most importantly, he values quality time with family and friends, cherishing those bonds.
Amanda Fort - Regional Operations Director
Amanda is a Regional Operations Director with nearly 20 years of experience in the multifamily housing industry. She currently oversees operations across properties in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, where she specializes in stabilizing communities, guiding capital projects, and driving operational performance.
Amanda began her career as a leasing agent in Fort Worth and quickly advanced into leadership roles by consistently delivering strong results. Her expertise spans a wide range of asset types and funding structures, including conventional, 100% tax credit, set-aside programs, and fully subsidized Section 8 housing.
She has successfully led teams through REAC and state inspections and excels in improving compliance, streamlining operations, and supporting high-performing site teams. Her current portfolio includes Apex Apartments in Fort Worth, Texas; Bison Ridge Apartments in Lawton, Oklahoma; and both Lux of Lafayette and Stonegate Apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Amanda is known for her hands-on leadership style and her commitment to mentoring site teams while building strong, resident-focused communities. Her background also includes managing Class B, C, and D assets, as well as overseeing renovation and repositioning projects across multiple states.
Originally from Texas, Amanda now calls Oklahoma home. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Wichita Mountains, spending weekends in scenic Medicine Park, fishing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Partners
Jorge Abreu
Jorge was born and raised from Cuban parents in Miami, Florida. He studied Electrical Engineering at Florida International University but his passion was Real Estate. After graduating he worked at the engineering department for UPS but didn’t last there long as he decided to pursue his passion of Real Estate investing as a career.
Jorge has now been a full time Real Estate Investor for over 16 years. He started investing in single family rentals, fix-and-flip projects, and small multifamily properties. During this time, Jorge also founded JNT Construction so he could manage and oversee all of his renovation projects in-house.
Juggling a massive portfolio of single family houses was a hassle and extremely time consuming. Jorge ultimately wanted passive income, not another job, which is why he shifted his focus to large, commercial apartment communities. This allowed Jorge to focus on what mattered most – spending more time with his family.
In 2017, Jorge and Eric founded Elevate Commercial Investment Group to help passive investors enjoy all the benefits of real estate, without doing all of the busy work. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate, Jorge is the visionary for the company. He focuses on driving profitability, creating strategic partnerships, managing the company organizational structure, and overall strategy for Elevate.
Jorge’s WHY is his three beautiful daughters and his loving and caring wife. This fuels his motivation to build generational wealth for his family. When he is not spending time with his family he enjoys playing basketball and working out. He is a strong believer of sound mind and sound body.
Eric Bodiwala
Eric has been investing in real estate for over 15 years. He started investing in single family rentals, fix-and-flip projects, and small multifamily properties.
Today, Eric has been responsible for acquiring, rehabbing, wholesaling, and selling in excess of $500M worth of real estate, including residential and commercial properties.
As the Co-Founder and COO of Elevate, Eric is heavily involved with asset management, implementation of company strategies, and monitoring company performance.
Michael Davalos
Michael started his career in Real Estate right out of high school obtaining his mortgage license in early 2001. He focused on the lending and brokering side of the business always working in the commercial space. A serial entrepreneur Michael opened his first mortgage lending company in 2005 and ran a successful lending business which helped thousands of families achieve homeownership through credit knowledge and through FHA, VA, Fannie and Freddie Mac loans. During the last Recession in 2008/09 he was forced to close his business after all of his lenders stopped lending. It was then that Michael found what would become his passion, investing and helping others invest in real estate wisely. In 2010 Michael fully crossed over to the investing side and has been helping sponsors and management companies work in harmony to achieve their goals and hit their targets since.
Michael has helped in the acquisitions, operations, and dispositions of well over $5B worth of real estate across Florida, Georgia, South Dakota, and Texas. He has worked and lead capital improvement projects in the tens of millions of dollars across multiple projects and coordinated large teams across 5 different states, always maintaining a situational awareness of the economies of the deal and leading in a transparent and cohesive manner that motivates his teams.
Michael is considered a hands-on leader, leading his teams by example and frequently being onsite at his properties. He is often seen on-site learning directly from the staff and residents as to where things can be improved. He loves talking with people and getting a better of understanding of how they view the world. He is also an avid snowboarder, enjoys playing basketball and loves spending as much time as possible with his daughter.
Brian Wagers
Brian was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH where he played high school football and wrestling . He went on to attend the University of Kentucky where he majored in Business Economics and minored in Psychology. Shortly after college Brian joined the workforce as a sales professional quickly becoming a top producer. After living in Lexington KY for 6 years he moved to Northwest Arkansas where he started his real estate investing journey and now resides.
Brian has been investing in real estate, actively and passively, for over 6 years
He grew his family’s portfolio to 500 units before moving on to syndication where has now been involved in over $200M worth of apartment transactions & over 2,000 units through his experience as an owner and general partner.
Within Elevate, Brian focuses on educating investors for how they can grow their net worth and increase their wealth through multifamily real estate. Brian’s focus as CIO is helping those investors and other equity partners place their capital in Elevate’s strategic multi family holdings. Brian also helps busy professionals & business owners develop a strategy for how they can take advantage of tax benefits and depreciation losses that are possible through real estate.
Brian is a strong believer in not only being the best financial version of yourself but in physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Brian enjoys time with his wife (baby boy on the way), their two dogs, and two cats. He enjoys anything to do with physical fitness including weight training, boxing, jogging, and hiking.
Elevating Industry Best Practices
Join Our Team Of Apartment Complex Management Professionals
The apartment complex management team at Equity REM has certifications available including.
- Certified Property Manager (CPM®)
- Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA®)
