Straight Up Chicago Investor

Straight Up Chicago Investor
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Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 9min

Episode 396: Buying, Building, and Adding Value in Self Storage with Fernando Angelucci

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Fernando Angelucci returns to the podcast to explain how he has rapidly grown his self storage business and the drivers behind increasing self storage demand! Fernando explains his marketing strategy to optimize deal flow despite the low inventory environment. He delves deep into the underwriting and feasibility studies performed on self storage investments to maximize returns. Fernando provides the 101 on various financing options and repositioning strategies for self storage investments. He closes with a motivating 5-year outlook including a detailed plan to reach financial independence! If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guests: Fernando Angelucci, Self Storage Syndicated Equities Link: Fernando's Instagram Link: SUCI Ep 86 - Fernando Angelucci Link: Vagabonding (Book Recommendation) Link: SUCI Ep 392 - Cost Seg Kev Guest Questions 01:49 Housing Provider Tip - Be sure to perform maintenance on AC units after a long summer! 03:25 Intro to our guest, Fernando Angelucci! 06:41 Growing a portfolio in a low inventory market! 12:10 Feasibility studies on self storage projects. 16:44 Building a self storage investment team! 21:56 Financing self storage deals. 37:33 Repositioning a self storage investment. 47:57 Obtaining special use permits. 52:01 Ideal self storage projects! 55:23 Fernando’s 5-year outlook. 60:26 What is your competitive advantage? 62:55 One piece of advice for new investors. 63:32 What do you do for fun? 64:14 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  64:48 Local Network Recommendation?  65:53 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 7min

Episode 395: Chicago Property Management and Leasing Best Practices with Max Motew

Max Motew, Director of Leasing at Mo2 Properties, shares his expertise on acquiring and renovating small multifamily properties in Chicago. He dives into essential considerations for renovating landmarked properties and the need for market knowledge to project rents accurately. Tips on screening tenants reveal strategies to combat fraud, while effective marketing practices enhance leasing success. Max emphasizes the value of strong tenant relationships and geographic expertise, highlighting these as key ingredients for thriving in the competitive Chicago property market.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 13min

Episode 394: The Legal Nuances of Different Real Estate Partnership Structures

In this discussion, Bibek Das, an Attorney at Das Law who specializes in real estate law, shares invaluable insights on the legal intricacies of real estate partnerships. He discusses the critical differences between partnership agreements and LLCs, emphasizing the need for clear operating agreements to mitigate risks. Common pitfalls in partnerships, such as vague roles and the importance of transparent decision-making, are also covered. Bibek further highlights the necessity of regularly updating legal documents to stay compliant and protect investments.
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Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 1min

Episode 393: Chicago Veterans’ Guide to Real Estate Success with DuBois Toy

DuBois Toy, a real estate investor and veteran, shares his journey from house hacking to mastering rental strategies. He emphasizes the benefits of VA loans and tax exemptions available for veterans, making real estate investment more accessible. DuBois also discusses leveraging AI to streamline property searches and tenant screening processes. His insights into maximize cash flow through room rentals and the importance of community networking provide valuable tools for anyone looking to navigate the Chicago real estate scene.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 51min

Episode 392: Cost Seg Kev Explains How Chicago Rehabbers Can Be Saving Tens Of Thousands Dollars

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Kevin Cawley, aka Cost Seg Kev, is a Senior Account Executive at CSSI Services - a firm with over 55,000 cost segregation studies completed since 2003. Cost Seg Kev starts by reviewing the 101 on cost segregation and how it can be used to offset your tax liability. He dives into the benefits of real estate professional status and recent tax code changes by the presidential administration. He also touches on frequently asked questions on cost segregation studies and closes with how he built his business and reputation!  If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guests: Kevin Cawley, CSSI Services Link: CSSI Cost Segregation Calculator Link: SUCI Ep 59 - Cost Seg Kev Link: James Mahon (CPA Referral) Link: At Your Command (Book Recommendation) Guest Questions 02:46 Housing Provider Tip - Go above and beyond to acknowledge tenants after management mistakes. 05:00 Intro to our guest, Cost Seg Kev! 05:43 The 101 on Cost Segregation. 11:37 The benefits of real estate professional status! 25:42 Recent changes to depreciation rules. 32:15 Technical side of cost segregation! 34:23 Cost Seg on smaller properties. 43:43 What is your competitive advantage? 44:42 One piece of advice for new investors. 46:00 What do you do for fun? 46:37 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  47:52 Local Network Recommendation?  48:55 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
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Aug 5, 2025 • 9min

Episode 391: Do You Have a Business Continuation Plan?

Discover the critical need for a business continuation plan tailored for real estate investors. Learn practical steps to protect assets and prepare for unexpected events, ensuring a smooth transition for beneficiaries. The discussion also highlights the surprising gap in personal life insurance coverage and its significance for future financial stability. Plus, enjoy some fun trivia about Chicago's vibrant summer festivals, blending education with entertainment!
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Jul 31, 2025 • 59min

Episode 390: What Not To Do When Disaster Strikes: Mitch Schoeneman on Insurance Claims

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Mitch Schoeneman is a Managing Partner at A. Schoeneman & Co. - a top rated Chicago public insurance adjusting firm that has been serving customers for over 55 years! Mitch starts by explaining the services rendered by insurance adjusters. He breaks down how investors can set themselves up for success with insurance claims and provides tactical steps for handling disastrous situations at properties. Mitch dives deep on insurance coverages, how investors can best protect themselves, and shares some wild insurance stories! This show is full of valuable insurance insights that you will want to put into practice! If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guests: Mitch Schoeneman, A. Schoeneman & Co | Email Mitch Link: Jimmy Sarnoff (Tax Appeal Attorney Referral) Guest Questions 03:14 Housing Provider Tip - Home insurance considerations to improve coverage and pricing! 04:56 Intro to our guest, Mitch Schoeonemen! 08:33 The value of insurance adjusters. 15:57 How investors can prepare for successful insurance claims. 21:17 Properly handling emergency situations at properties! 37:15 General timelines for insurance payouts. 45:00 Wild insurance stories! 53:39 What is your competitive advantage? 54:01 One piece of advice for new investors. 54:08 What do you do for fun? 54:59 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  55:32 Local Network Recommendation?  55:53 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
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Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 2min

Episode 389: Different Approach To Short Term Investing In Chicago With Sebastian Mysliwiec

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Sebastian Mysliwiec, founder of The Dream Rentals, explains how he’s built a short-term and mid-term rental management company that delivers top guest experiences and maximizes profits! Sebastian talks about cutting his teeth and eventually thriving at a marketing company that helped build his real estate skill set. He provides tactical advice on underwriting, marketing, and managing short-term rentals (STRs). Sebastian explains how his team manages seasonality, shares a STR horror story, and top amenities for guests. He closes with remarks on refinancing considerations for STR properties and his team’s growth strategy. If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guests: Sebastian Mysliwiec, The Dream Rentals Link: The Dream Rentals Instagram Link: Skyscraper Tom's Instagram Link: The 12 Week Year (Book Recommendation) Guest Questions 01:58 Housing Provider Tip - Leverage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request property info during due diligence! 04:25 Intro to our guest, Sebastian Mysliwiec! 08:31 Defining AirBnB arbitrage. 13:28 Underwriting basics of short-term rentals (STRs)! 20:10 Listing platforms for STRs. 26:09 Managing STR seasonality in Chicago to optimize profit. 35:36 STR Marketing Tips! 45:45 AirBnB Horror Story! 47:46 Top STR amenities. 49:23 Mid-Term Rental analysis and expanding to other markets! 55:13 Refinancing STR properties. 56:47 What is your competitive advantage? 57:15 One piece of advice for new investors. 57:42 What do you do for fun? 58:25. Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  58:54 Local Network Recommendation?  59:29 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 15min

Episode 388: NBOA 2025 Summer Soiree Update

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= What is the NBOA Summer Soiree and how can investors benefit from this event? If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Mike Glasser & Real Estate Nate, NBOA Link: Episode 375: Learn How To Build A Chicago Portfolio Without Quitting the W2 with Nate Fernandez ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 49min

Episode 387: This Is How You Make Money In Chicago In Your Early 20s with Alex Diaz

Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Alex Diaz explains how he left his day job as a barber to successfully flip and wholesale real estate for a living at 24 years of age! Alex starts by sharing how he made the jump from being a barber to wholesaling real estate. He explains how he acquired his first property; a househack sourced off-market! Alex provides tactical advice on marketing directly to sellers to create deal flow. He talks about lessons learned from flipping and gets granular on the real estate market in Aurora and the surrounding suburbs. This is another motivating show with an investor thriving at a young age! If you enjoy today’s episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Alex Diaz, Bluestone Property Solutions Link: Alex Diaz's Instagram Link: SUCI Ep 335 - Aram Ghazaryan Link: The Art of the Deal (Book Recommendation) Guest Questions 03:16 Housing Provider Tip - Maintain and understand misusage of water hose spigots! 05:09 Intro to our guest, Alex Diaz! 10:38 Alex’s first house hack sourced off-market! 14:24 Jumping into wholesaling and direct-to-seller marketing. 26:20 Marketing strategy and the 101 on Montgomery, IL. 29:11 Benefits of being around like-minded investors. 35:10 Lessons learned from flipping! 39:24 Alex’s geographic areas of focus. 44:06 What is your competitive advantage? 44:31 One piece of advice for new investors. 45:14 What do you do for fun? 45:31 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  46:04 Local Network Recommendation?  46:23 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.

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