Straight Up Chicago Investor

Did you know that you can raise or deploy funds found in IRAs to invest in Real Estate? Adam Sypniewski joins us to break down how this can be accomplished. Adam kicks things off by defining an IRA and explaining the limitations when withdrawing IRA funds. He dives into the different ways investors can leverage their IRA funds or someone else's funds to invest in real estate. Adam talks about rules and regulations along with things to consider when using IRA funds in partnerships. He closes with pitfalls to avoid when structuring a deal involving an IRA so you can be prepared to implement this strategy! If you enjoyed listening to today's episode, please leave us a 5 star review and share us with a friend! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Adam Sypniewski from Midland Trust | LinkedIn | Email Adam (adam@midlandtrust.com) Sponsors: Kiser Group, GC Reality, and Prime Lending ----------------- Guest Questions 02:10 House Provider Tip: Plan ahead and knock out spring projects! 04:50 Intro to our guest, Adam Sypniewski! 06:00 How did Adam start working in the IRA space? 07:10 What is an IRA? 09:15 What are the rules and limitations of pulling funds out of your own IRA? 10:43 Why would someone want to pull from their IRA to use their capital in real estate? 12:42 How have IRAs been around? 14:13 What are the limitations of investing through an IRA compared to any other money market? 16:28 What opportunities/options are there for individuals wanting to use their IRAs to invest in real estate? 20:20 How does funding a deal with an IRA differ from having liquid funds to acquire a property? 21:54 How can investors be on the debt-side or equity-side of deals when investing with their IRAs? 24:58 Aside from ensuring there is a papertrail, any other requirements investors should be aware of when investing with their IRA? 27:34 Is there a specific demographic investors who are looking for private capital should be targeting? 29:27 What are an IRA's typical repayment terms? 33:46 How do distributions for repayment to an IRA work in partnerships? 36:23 What happens if IRA funds are lost? 38:20 While an investor is holding a property in their IRA, the traditional real estate tax benefits do not apply, correct? 39:37 Any other tips for investing with your IRA? Wrap Up Questions 40:22 What is Adam's competitive advantage? 41:42 What is the one piece of advice for new investors looking to buy their first property in Chicago? 42:11 What do you do for fun? 42:36 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 43:13 Local Network Recommendation? 43:40 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.

Jake Fugman walks us through the numbers, rationale, and challenges of a recent househack in Hermosa that our listeners can learn from. Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Jake Fugman, The Axon Group (EXP Realty) ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Want to know how to take your real estate marketing to the next level to grow your business? Our guest Aram Ghazaryan provides insight on how to differentiate yourself from your competition! Aram explains his tremendous story of how he got into real estate at the young age of 21 and methods used to achieve great success after 5 years in the business! He shares how to consistently put out engaging social media content and the importance of connecting with followers on an emotional level. He talks cold-calling as a new agent, flipping for the first time, and becoming a source of knowledge for many Chicago neighborhoods and its suburbs. Aram closes by talking about how he is executing real estate transactions and how he is able to be an asset for his clients! 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: Aram Ghazaryan from RE/MAX | Instagram | Aram's Other Pages Sponsors: Kiser Group, GC Reality, and Prime Lending ----------------- Guest Questions 03:41 House Provider Tip: Be mindful that the higher rents that come with the CHA Mobility Program can go away - underwrite deals using market rents! 04:10 Intro to our guest, Aram Ghazaryan! 06:05 How is volatility being seen in the lending market? 07:04 How did Aram decide to jump into real estate at the young age of 21? 09:25 How did Aram's perspective on opportunity for success change when he moved to the United States? 10:47 What were Aram's first thoughts on Chicago? 12:23 How did Aram get his first deal as a broker? 13:55 What are some of the lessons learned from cold calling? 16:05 How did Aram develop his social media marketing? 20:22 How is Aram translating his following on social media to his real estate business? 23:40 How did Aram acquire knowledge on so many different suburbs? 25:10 How does an introvert work up the courage to put themselves out there for marketing? 27:44 How is Aram translating lead generation to being an asset and executing for his clients? 32:22 How does Aram deal with buyers looking to low-ball sellers and how does he set expectations? 34:34 Is Aram doing all the marketing himself or outsourcing? 35:52 How did Aram start flipping and what are some of the lessons learned so far? 40:28 What are the projected numbers on Aram's first flip? Wrap Up Questions 43:38 What is Aram's competitive advantage? 44:56 What is the one piece of advice for new investors looking to buy their first property in Chicago? 45:22 What do you do for fun? 45:55 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 47:11 Local Network Recommendation? 48:34 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.

Return guest Chris Puleo drops in to share a lending market update! Chris starts off by commenting on the volatility in the market and looks back on how the pandemic shaped what is happening today. He explains "bait and switch" and the questions you should be asking your mortgage lender. Chris dives deep into the different loan programs available in today's market. Chris also delivers Chicago-specific advice on how to navigate the loan process when dealing with non-conforming units! If you enjoyed listening to today's episode, please leave us a 5 star review and share us with a friend! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Chris Puleo, Neighborhood Loans Link: SUCI Merch Store Sponsors: Kiser Group and GC Reality ----------------- Guest Questions 02:33 House Provider Tip: Be aware of freeze and thaw cycles during the Spring season! 04:10 Intro to our guest,Chris Puleo! 05:40 How is volatility being seen in the lending market? 07:37 How did the pandemic create artificially low interest rates? 09:18 Why does inflation increase interest rates? 11:02 Chris explains "float down" options as it relates to interest rates. 13:05 Are there any good indicators for trying to project the direction of interest rates? 16:06 What is "bait and switch" and what should people watch out for? 19:35 Is Chris seeing a lot of new real estate agents and lenders in this hot market? 24:05 What are other low-down payment options aside from FHA? 26:42 How do "gifts" work in the lending industry? 28:33 What COVID restrictions were previously in place that lenders have lifted? 30:30 What do the requirements look like for self-employed individuals seeking a loan? 32:45 What are some of the programs for investment loans? 35:15 What are things to consider when looking to purchase a building with a non-conforming unit? 38:54 Is there a premium paid for a cash-out refinance compared to a rate-and-term refinance? Wrap Up Questions 43:20 What is Chris' competitive advantage? 44:14 What is the one piece of advice for new investors looking to buy their first property in Chicago? 44:23 What do you do for fun? 45:17 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 45:47 Local Network Recommendation? 46:42 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 the many factors investors must consider if they are looking to sell in this hot market? (And buyers need to know this info as well!) Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Ron Plonis & Jeff Leibovich from Kiser Group ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Ever wonder what it takes to convert a condo building into rental apartments? Sean Connelly of 33 Realty explains the ins and outs of deconverting condos as an investment strategy. Sean starts by defining basic terms and the strategy associated with deconverting condos. He then dives into the more technical aspects of underwriting and handling negotiations with owners and associations. Sean closes out the episode by forecasting the future of condo deconversions in Chicago and explains why he is bullish on the "Capital of the Midwest". 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: Sean Connelly from 33 Realty Link: Sean Connelly | 33 Realty Sponsors: ClickInvest and Kiser Group ----------------- Guest Questions 02:56 House Provider Tip: Ensure that property condition and cost of unit turn-overs is properly being taken into account! 06:10 Intro to our guest, Sean Connelly! 07:37 What is a condo deconversion? 08:48 What is driving the surge of condo deconversions? 10:05 What is a T-12 (i.e. trailing 12 months of expenses)? 10:53 What are the expectations from the HOA during this deconversion process? 11:57 How did Sean and his group get into condo deconversions? 14:24 What is the acquisition strategy? 15:35 What type of timeframe can be expected to deconvert? 18:47 How are tenants treated when purchasing a rented condo to deconvert? 21:04 What is the process like when dealing with owner-occupants who likely won't be in favor of deconverting? 22:44 How are taxes underwritten when deconverting? 24:07 Is there a typical strategy as it relates to separating utilities, updating mechanicals, etc? 27:31 Sean walks through the high-level process of deconverting. 31:10 How are meetings with a larger group of owners/investors handled? 32:49 How are special exceptions and general negotiations handled? 37:26 Are people generally looking to purchase multiple condos in smaller buildings to have a larger share of ownership? 38:47 What does the future look like for this condo deconversion strategy? Wrap Up Questions 42:09 What is Sean's competitive advantage? 42:29 One piece of advice for new investors. 42:48 What do you do for fun? 43:20 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 43:40 Local Network Recommendation? 44:15 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.

Think it's possible to scale to 80 rental units while working a W2 job? We know it sounds tough, but our guest David Pezzola explains how he did that and then continued on to build a massive portfolio! David shares insights on how was able to grow and manage his large portfolio while having his W2 job. He then talks about his post W2 investment journey including his acquisition strategy and lessons learned. David closes out with why Chicago is the "mutual fund" of cities and why he continues to be bullish on investing here! 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: David Pezzola, from Icarus Investment Group Link: Rich Dad Poor Dad (Book Recommendation) Link: Chris Puleo (Lender) Sponsors: GC Reality and Kiser Group ----------------- Guest Questions 02:42 House Provider Tip: Seal holes/gaps inside and outside your property to prevent animals from getting in! 04:54 Intro to our guest, David Pezzola! 05:40 How did David get to 80-units and how did he balance owning that many units while working a W2? 07:56 How was David financing his deals while scaling? 09:38 Does David see similarities between the West Loop prior to its emergence and any neighborhoods currently? Why did David hold on to his W2 for as long as he did? 12:12 After establishing a credit line to allow for acquisition/scale, what was the next step? 14:48 What was the extent of the rehab when beginning to scale? 19:13 What goes into making a condo warrantable? 21:02 What are some of the lessons learned while David was scaling? 25:09 What were some of the management challenges in the south side of Chicago? 28:36 How has David's group improved management efficiencies? 30:50 How did David purchase 300 units near Midway Airport? 34:45 What advice would David give to new investors on Section 8 rentals? 37:10 Why is David still bullish on the south side and on Chicago in general? Wrap Up Questions 45:56 What is David's competitive advantage? 48:16 One piece of advice for new investors. 50:26 What do you do for fun? 52:25 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 53:45 Local Network Recommendation? 56:15 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.

How is inflation affecting the Chicagoland market? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Danny Mantis & Matt Halper from Kiser Group ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Thought about taking down a mixed-use building to improve your neighborhood's streetscape? Not sure where to start? Our guest Nicholas Katsafados explains how he found a niche in mixed-use buildings and what other things he is doing to contribute to redevelopment in his neighborhood! Nicholas provides insight on how investing in mixed-use buildings differs from other types of buildings. He talks about neighborhoods and Wards along with the political implications. Nicholas elaborates on the importance of understanding Zoning and how this could be your competitive advantage. He closes out the episode with a fact-driven explanation for why higher-density Zoning helps neighborhoods emerge and the argument of this causing displacement of residents is not as drastic as portrayed in the media! If you enjoyed listening to today's episode, please leave us a 5 star review and share us with a friend! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Nicholas Katsafados from Cobblestone Realty Group Link: Chicago Fair Housing Link: Cook County Just Housing Amendment Link: Avondale Bowl Sponsors: ClickInvest and Kiser Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:22 House Provider Tip: Screen tenants consistently - abide by Fair Housing Laws! 05:05 Intro to our guest, Nicholas Katsafados! 06:15 How did Nicholas get started in investing here in Chicago? 07:43 How did Nicholas transition from his starting point of buying a condo to larger redevelopment projects? 10:55 Where is Nicholas focusing his investing today? 11:45 How do the financing requirements on mixed-use buildings differ from requirements on other types of buildings? 13:25 Any tips or advice for finding contractors to do facade work on mixed-use buildings? 15:25 What is the difference between a neighborhood and a Ward? 18:17 Are there any positives to how the Wards are delineated? 21:37 What role do Aldermen play in Zoning within their Wards? 23:32 What are some examples of how Zoning rulings impact development? 29:46 How can we as investors take action to address some of these political headwinds? 31:03 What are other ways investors can make their case when seeking support on their project's Zoning? 34:42 How can there be a balance between neighborhood development and retaining existing residents? 41:26 What is Nicholas' outlook on Chicago? Wrap Up Questions 44:30 What is Nicholas' competitive advantage? 46:25 What is the one piece of advice for new investors looking to buy their first property in Chicago? 47:40 What do you do for fun? 48:01 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 49:04 Local Network Recommendation? 49:55 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show. Thanks for listening to another great episode! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Wondering who is partnering with big developers to sell and lease their finished product? Our guest Aaron Galvin explains how his company is capturing a large market share in this space! Aaron provides insight on how his company's focus on people and relationships has led to tremendous growth. He talks about the mistakes he made while growing his business and how he had to learn to "elevate and delegate". Aaron elaborates on the importance of building a team that is aligned in its core values and vision. He closes out the episode with reasons for why he is bullish on our great city of Chicago! 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: Aaron Galvin from Luxury Living Chicago Realty Link: Aaron Galvin | CEO | Luxury Living Chicago Realty Link: The Messy Middle Sponsors: GC Reality and Kiser Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:30 House Provider Tip: Prevent moisture and freezing on lockboxes by planning accordingly! 05:55 Intro to our guest, Aaron Galvin! 07:17 What was the original mission of Luxury Living Chicago? 09:20 What were some mistakes that Aaron made while scaling his business? 18:47 How did Luxury Living Chicago make a name for themselves to grow to the scale that they have? 25:05 What were some of the biggest challenges Aaron faced while growing his business? 33:55 How is Aaron connecting with big developers? 39:40 How is Aaron communicating opinions of value to his clients? 42:56 Why is Aaron bullish on Chicago despite the negative press it gets? Wrap Up Questions 46:41 What is Aaron's competitive advantage? 47:27 What is the one piece of advice for new investors looking to buy their first property in Chicago? 47:57 What do you do for fun? 49:02 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 50:00 Local Network Recommendation? 50:50 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.