The Management Team
Meet the Expert Team Behind San Diego Apartment Investors
At San Diego Apartment Investors (SDAI), we believe experienced leadership is the cornerstone of successful investing. Our founders, Jeff Castellaw and Jim Stewart, each bring over four decades of proven expertise in multifamily brokerage, property management, strategic acquisition, and asset repositioning in the San Diego real estate market. Their combined experience, unparalleled market insight, and dedication to investor success form the foundation of SDAI's investment philosophy.
Jeff Castellaw
President & Founder
Jeff Castellaw is a seasoned multifamily real estate specialist with a stellar reputation in San Diego’s real estate industry, having represented hundreds of clients in successful multifamily transactions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. He founded San Diego Apartment Brokers, Inc. in 1993 and continues to serve as its President and Broker of Record.
Career Highlights & Expertise
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Over 40 Years of Multifamily Brokerage Experience: Successfully brokered and managed numerous multifamily apartment properties throughout the San Diego metropolitan area, developing an extensive professional network with top industry leaders.
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Expert in 1031 Exchanges: Widely recognized for his expertise in complex tax-deferred (1031) exchange transactions, Jeff has successfully executed numerous multi-leg exchanges, including a meticulously audited 32-leg transaction cleared by the California Franchise Tax Board.
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Development & Renovation: Jeff’s extensive portfolio includes successful oversight of new construction projects, full-property renovations, and strategic repositioning of older multifamily assets to enhance their value and profitability. His renovation projects range from large apartment complexes and condo conversions to single-family home developments across San Diego County.
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Reputation for Integrity: Over his lengthy career, Jeff has maintained an impeccable track record with zero client complaints filed with the California Department of Real Estate, exemplifying his commitment to ethical practice and investor confidence.
Educational Background
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Bachelor of Arts in Economics, San Diego State University (1975) with distinction, specializing in quantitative analysis and market research.
Jim Stewart
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Jim Stewart brings extensive knowledge in real estate brokerage, finance, auditing, and property management. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Jim’s meticulous approach to financial management and analysis ensures precise investment performance tracking and risk management for all SDAI projects.
Career Highlights & Expertise
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Lifetime Real Estate Professional: Licensed real estate broker since 1976, Jim has been actively investing, managing, and advising on San Diego multifamily properties since the early 1970s. His deep understanding of local market dynamics enables him to effectively identify and secure valuable investment opportunities.
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Financial Management & Cost Accounting: With nearly two decades of experience at Goodrich Aerospace (formerly Rohr Industries), Jim held key roles as National Accounts Manager, Auditor, Senior Financial Administrator, and Senior Systems Analyst. His rigorous auditing background ensures diligent oversight and transparency of SDAI’s investments.
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Strategic Negotiation & Risk Management: Jim's role involves strategic negotiation with sellers, lenders, and vendors. His ability to analyze complex financial data, coupled with exceptional negotiation skills, consistently secures favorable investment terms for investors.
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Dedicated Community Involvement: Former Supervisory Committee member with Pacific Trust Federal Credit Union (now a chartered bank), Jim has demonstrated leadership in finance and governance roles that further underscore his credibility and professional integrity.
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Personally owned over thirty five investment properties.
Educational Background
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Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, San Diego State University (1975), providing a strong foundation in investment strategies, property law, and financial management.
Our Commitment to Investors
Jeff and Jim personally invest alongside their investor partners, ensuring alignment of interests and underscoring their commitment to the financial success of each project. Their hands-on approach, combined with a reputation built on decades of trust, transparency, and proven performance, ensures SDAI investors are not merely clients but valued partners.
