Straight Up Chicago Investor

Vince begins by talking about his previous career as a rockstar manager (Styx)! He shares stories about Roseland and Humboldt Park in the 60s and 70s. Vince transitions into his journey as both a real estate broker and investor. He dives deep into the pros/cons of getting a broker's license as an investor and the requirements to get licensed. Throughout the episode, Vince speaks to the power of real estate as a wealth generator and the importance of education! 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: Vince DePaul, Your House Real Estate Academy Link: Chicago Heat Ordinance Link: Frank Zappa (Network Recommendation) Sponsors: Appeal.tax and State Farm ----------------- Guest Questions 03:08 Housing Provider Tip: Provide temperature sensors to tenants to document heating and cooling issues! 06:30 Intro to our guest, Vince DePaul! 10:03 Did any of the skills Vince learned in his previous career of managing entertainers translate to real estate? 11:50 Vince talks about Roseland and surrounding neighborhoods in the 60s/70s! 17:40 What was Humboldt Park like back in the day? 18:50 How were Vince's first couple years in real estate? 21:43 Vince talks about his journey from real estate broker to investor! 26:44 Should real estate investors get a real estate broker's license? 33:43 What are the costs and requirements to get a real estate license? 40:30 Vince talks about his real estate school's offerings! 42:16 What is Vince's outlook on real estate brokers given advances in technology? Wrap Up Questions 46:36 What is Vince's competitive advantage? 48:03 One piece of advice for new investors. 48:54 What do you do for fun? 49:33 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 50:10 Local Network Recommendation? 50:57 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

What are the steps I should take to vet my Chicago contractors? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Bolanle Ogunmakin, Quality Builders Link: Straight Up Chicago Investor Episode 76 ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Return guests Bibek Das, Eric Workman, and Matt LaCosse join us to discuss a 5-unit deal with a lot of hair on it! Matt (buyer on this deal) starts by talking about how our very own Mark Ainley (buyer's agent) brought this 5-unit property in Batavia to his attention. Eric (the lender on this deal) dives into the lending aspect of this deal and the group discusses the offer formulation and negotiation process. Bibek (the buyer's attorney) explains the meaning of appraisal waivers and "AS-IS" offers. Navigating a plumbing leak the day before closing and escrow holdbacks are also topics of discussion on this show. The episode is closed out with lessons learned from this "hairy" but ultimately amazing deal! 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: Bibek Das, Eric Workman, and Matt LaCosse, Das Law & Renovo Financial Link: SUCI Ep 145 - Matt LaCosse Link: SUCI Ep 17 - Bibek Das Link: SUCI Ep 19 - Eric Workman Sponsors: Appeal.tax and GC Reality ----------------- Guest Questions 04:14 Housing Provider Tip: Utilize the main water shut off valve on vacant properties to prevent plumbing issues related to cold weather. 05:55 Intro to our group of return guests: Bibek Das, Eric Workman, and Matt LaCosse! 08:15 Matt introduces the deal that will be discussed in this episode! 14:04 What happened after Matt's initial walk through? 20:02 Matt talks about his initial conversation with the lender on this deal, Eric Workman. 22:30 Matt and Mark talk about the offer and negotiation process! 30:24 Eric weighs in on waiving an appraisal as part of an offer. 32:42 What does it mean to make an "as-is" offer? 36:23 Mark talks about the multiple PIN situation on this deal. 39:27 What did the loan structure look like on this 5-unit property? 40:43 How did the inspection and attorney review process go? 49:47 Matt talks about closing day and reflects on the deal as a whole! That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

From a rough upbringing to a successful REI career in Chicago, Mike Baker joins us to discuss his journey and his vast knowledge on wholesaling, flipping, and consulting. Mike begins by outlining his troubled past involving drugs, gangs, and prison. He shares some of the lessons learned in prison and the mindset shift required to get started and to succeed in real estate. Mike, Mark, and Tom share shocking stories about rehabbing in distressed neighborhoods. Mike closes by explaining how his experience gives him a competitive advantage and how he's leveraging it to offer hourly, a la carte consulting services to investors looking for support and resources! 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 Baker of A La Carte REI Link: Mike Baker's Blog Link: SUCI Episode 89 Link: SUCI Episode 146 Link: Michael Kevorkian (Network Referral) Link: 48 Laws of Power (Book Referral) Link: Brie Schmidt (Network Referral) Sponsors: Appeal.tax and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:23 Housing Provider Tip: Be sure you are cleaning and maintaining your fireplace! 05:40 Intro to our guest, Mike Baker! 06:50 Mike talks about his troubled past! 08:44 What did Mike learn from his time in prison that has been applicable in his real estate journey? 11:29 Mike talks about his start in real estate working for a wholesaler. 17:08 Mike shares stories about rehabbing in distressed neighborhoods! 24:05 What are some advantages of having experience in multiple facets of real estate like Mike does? 26:18 How can newer investors utilize joint-ventures and resources like A La Carte REI? 30:27 What is Mike's motivation for starting A La Carte REI? Wrap Up Questions 37:44 What is Mike's competitive advantage? 38:18 One piece of advice for new investors. 39:04 What do you do for fun? 39:45 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 40:37 Local Network Recommendation? 41:10 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

What are my options to remove maintenance costs on smaller pieces of lawns? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: James Galvin, Chicago Lawn To Garden ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Sam Sharp has over 20 years experience in the Mortgage Industry and joins us to discuss rising interest rates. Sam begins by talking about his vast experience in the mortgage industry and the lending environment during the last housing crash. He shares tips that have helped him be a top-producing loan originator and provides advice for professionals trying to build their brand. Sam gives his take on the million-dollar question: WHERE ARE RATES GOING AND IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY?! He explains interest rate buy-downs as a strategy that can benefit both buyers and sellers. Sam closes by talking about his approach to investing and how it has worked out for him! 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: Sam Sharp, Guaranteed Rate Link: Never Split the Difference (Book Recommendation) Link: Harley Rosenthal (Network Recommendation) Sponsors: Pentwater Cabinetry and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:00 Housing Provider Tip: Be sure your floor drains are free of debris to avoid flooding! 05:12 Intro to our guest, Sam Sharp! 06:38 Sam talks about his start in real estate! 11:30 How does Sam succeed and do business with integrity in an industry where many others do not operate with integrity? 13:50 Sam talks about the lending environment during the last housing crash. 23:13 What advice would Sam give to real estate professionals trying to build their brand? 26:32 Where are interest rates going and is now a good time to buy? 36:20 Sam explains interest rate buy-downs!! 47:58 How can investors and other real estate professionals leverage rate buy-downs? 52:50 Sam talks about his investing strategy! Wrap Up Questions 56:42 What is Sam's competitive advantage? 57:05 One piece of advice for new investors. 57:44 What do you do for fun? 58:08 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 59:30 Local Network Recommendation? 60:05 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Danny Spitz of Greenstone Partners joins us to discuss the ins and outs of investing in commercial real estate. Danny kicks things off by sharing his start in real estate with a 3-flat in Bridgeport. He explains the differences between residential and commercial properties including insight on taxes and financing those assets. Danny speaks to the types of tenants and leases on mixed-use, retail, and office spaces. Throughout the episode, Danny emphasizes the importance of building relationships as a key to success and for future opportunities! 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: Danny Spitz, Greenstone Partners Link: Sabrina Wottreng (Public Relations) Sponsors: Pentwater Cabinetry and Appeal.tax ----------------- Guest Questions 03:25 Housing Provider Tip: Don't forget to winterize your water spigots! 05:00 Intro to our guest, Danny Spitz! 06:10 How did Danny get started in real estate? 08:00 Danny talks about his Bridgeport 3-flat! 10:30 How can investors successfully find a mentor? 15:37 What did Danny do after the Bridgeport 3-flat? 17:21 Danny talks about the differences between residential and commercial investments! 20:21 What are some things to consider when building out a commercial space! 26:57 How does Danny get his leases created? 28:55 How can taxes be projected on mixed-use properties? 33:30 What are some financing differences between mixed-use properties and multifamily buildings? 36:22 Danny talks about using CoStar and other similar platforms. 39:19 How has commercial real estate in Chicago changed in recent years? 46:16 What is Danny's 5-10 year outlook on his business? Wrap Up Questions 51:24 What is Danny's competitive advantage? 51:51 One piece of advice for new investors. 52:02 What do you do for fun? 52:15 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 52:34 Local Network Recommendation? 53:05 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

A real live example of how beginning investors can separate themselves against known buyers without overpaying. Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Derek Kaptanoglu, Essex ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Corey Oliver has over 20 years of experience acquiring and repositioning multifamily buildings in Chicago's South and West Side areas. Corey talks about his start in real estate and how he acquired his first buy and hold buildings in North Lawndale. He speaks to the struggles of investing in C/D class areas including dealing with squatters, non-paying tenants, and gang activity. Corey dives deep on specific pockets including K-Town in North Lawndale, Englewood, and Woodlawn to name a few! He emphasizes the importance of doing your due diligence including thoroughly vetting property managers when investing in these areas. Corey closes with his take on how the city can solve the affordable housing crisis and encourages all of us to be quality housing providers! 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: Corey Oliver, Strength in Management Link: Corey's Instagram Link: Rich Dad Poor Dad (Book Recommendation) Sponsors: Essex Realty Group and State Farm ----------------- Guest Questions 03:47 Housing Provider Tip: Consider raising rents instead of not renewing leases with your tenants! 05:55 Intro to our guest, Corey Oliver! 06:45 Corey talks about his career as a professional sports agent! 10:20 How and where did Corey start investing in real estate? 13:09 Corey explains how properties can fall into disrepair in the areas he invests in. 15:10 Corey talks about K-Town and North Lawndale in general! 18:06 How is Corey taking advantage of city incentives offered in these South and Westside neighborhoods? 21:50 What is Corey's perspective and outlook on Englewood? 25:10 What are the main differences between Chicago's Southside compared to the Westside? 28:26 How will the Obama library impact the Southside? 32:55 Corey talks about Streetwise! 34:07 How can investors prepare to operate properties in C/D class areas? 36:07 How do you deal with and manage gang activity within your properties? 40:00 How did COVID impact Corey's tenants? 44:40 How can we solve Chicago's affordable housing problem? Wrap Up Questions 48:26 What is Corey's competitive advantage? 49:04 One piece of advice for new investors. 50:20 What do you do for fun? 50:53 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 51:07 Local Network Recommendation? 51:45 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Kevin Krasney is the third-generation owner of Cole's Appliances, which is still situated on the same Lincoln Ave corner in North Center. Kevin talks about his family-owned and operated business and how Cole's provides tremendous value to investors. He walks through the appliance ordering and installation process and how the recent supply chain issues played into this process. Kevin gets granular on different manufacturers and the quality of their products. Throughout the episode, Kevin shares insight on things investors should keep in mind when purchasing appliances to ensure they're delivered/installed on schedule, and to ensure investors are buying the best product for their need! 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: Kevin Krasney, Cole's Appliance and Furniture Co Link: All In Podcast Link: Broken Record Podcast Link: Matt Kustusch (Network Recommendation) Link: Chop Shop Sponsors: Essex Realty Group and State Farm ----------------- Guest Questions 02:11 Housing Provider Tip: Celebrate the wins and enjoy the journey of building your real estate portfolio! 04:48 Intro to our guest, Kevin Krasney! 06:26 Kevin talks about the mindset of keeping the family appliance business small rather than opening more stores! 07:30 How has the supply chain changed over the last couple years? 13:00 Kevin discusses the workflow from appliance ordering to installation! 17:12 Who are the major manufacturers and how does their quality compare to each other? 18:32 What are some things investors can do to minimize appliance repairs? 22:48 Kevin gives a checklist for things required to install a kitchen appliance package. 25:44 How do you determine whether to repair or replace an appliance? 30:06 What are Kevin's thoughts on coin-operated vs electronic payment laundry machines? 33:32 What is Kevin's outlook on the appliance industry? 36:34 How can one determine the fuel source on an appliance? Wrap Up Questions 41:10 What is Kevin's competitive advantage? 41:50 One piece of advice for new investors. 43:11 What do you do for fun? 44:00 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 44:20 Local Network Recommendation? 45:03 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.