Multifamily Insights · 2026-06-09 · 25 min
John Gravelyn spent most of his career in engineering, managing technical launches at Ford and then Rivian. He grew up wanting to work on cars, but after buying his first house he realized he loved ownership more than the cars themselves. After succeeding at Rivian and later being laid off, he launched his own company, First Principles Partners, where he helps engineers and other analytical professionals approach real estate the way they approach engineering problems. Based in central Michigan, John builds deal-analysis tools and calculators that help investors evaluate properties, and he coaches clients to stay in their analytical strengths while partnering out negotiation and management. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here .
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