Faith, Risk and $600 Million in Real Estate: A Conversation with Daniel Walser

Meet Daniel Walser – Raleigh native, NC State alum, husband, father, CCIM and Vice President of Acquisitions & Syndications at APG Capital, a firm known not just for its commercial real estate success, but for its faith-centered mission.

Daniel’s real estate journey began in high school, flipping homes before he could vote – clearing $80,000 in just three weeks. That early hustle planted the seeds of a career that would eventually lead to over $600 million in CRE acquisitions and partnerships across the Southeast. Today, he plays a key role at APG, where bold investment strategy and Kingdom-minded leadership go hand in hand.

On June 25, Daniel will be the featured speaker at the upcoming CBMC Triangle luncheon. Ahead of the event, we’re sharing a preview of the conversation – a look into the mentors, moments and mindset that shaped his path, and how faith and business came to work as one in his life.

1. You started flipping houses in high school, a pretty remarkable feat for a teenager. Who were the key influencers in your life at that time who helped you think that was even possible – and where did that entrepreneurial drive come from?

I’ve always had a heart for adventure and yearning to learn “how something works”.  That’s how God made me. Entrepreneurship is, by definition, those characteristics focused around creating value.

People are gatekeepers to opportunity. As an adolescent, I was fortunate to learn that by talking to people and asking thought-provoking questions it often led to an opportunity to create value. I had the privilege of crossing paths with very successful luxury home builders, real estate developers and business owners who opened doors most school aged kids have never seen.

2. Since then, you’ve helped acquire over $600 million in commercial real estate. What have been a few pivotal lessons learned – either a major win or a setback – that have stuck with you along the way?

Do what you say you are going to do within the timeframe you promise. Execution builds trust, which leads to credibility. You will be shocked who is watching.

3. At what age did your relationship with Christ become real to you, and who helped guide your walk with Him?

I knew about Christ my whole life, but I really got to know and pursue him at age 27 when I realized how much I needed him to fulfil and navigate my life.

4. For young professionals striving to succeed in commercial real estate without compromising their faith, what encouragement or advice would you share from your own experience?

Real estate is cyclical in nature, with volatile market values, high stakes and lots of egos. If you’re serious, look for an opportunity to build a very large and sturdy foundation around the skill set you want to master regardless of the short-term earnings goals.

Scripture contains this common theme; all gain comes from God. I would encourage you to embrace the concept. You will quickly see great deals can suddenly fall apart, and how seemingly impossible deals come together. Keep a deep respect for the Lord and watch your path take flight.

 Daniel will be the featured speaker at the upcoming CBMC Triangle Luncheon on June 25 – a gathering of business and professional men seeking to live out their faith with wisdom, purpose, and impact in the marketplace.

CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection) serves leaders across the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region with small groups, mentorship and events that challenge men to grow spiritually while excelling professionally. Their mission: to empower high-impact leaders to discover, develop and deploy their God-given gifts for Kingdom purposes.

Register here to join us on June 25 and hear more of Daniel’s story.

To learn more about CBMC Triangle, visit triangle.cbmc.com.