Straight Up Chicago Investor

The Mad Scientist of Multifamily, Neal Bawa, returns to the show to share the latest data trends and his outlook on the Real Estate market! Neal jumps right in by summarizing changes in the real estate market over the last 18 months. He explains how his underwriting has changed as a result of market conditions. Neal gives a warning to those investing in office-space and talks about the challenges of converting office-space to residential. Neal concludes by telling us why he’s putting his money into Build-to-Rent townhomes, the “next evolution of the Single Family Home!” 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: Neal Bawa, Grocapitus Link: SUCI Ep 26 - Neal's 1st Episode Link: SUCI Ep 110 - Neal's 2nd Episode Link: https://multifamilyu.com/webinars/ Sponsors: North Shore Brickwork and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 02:32 Housing Provider Tip: Don’t forget to set time aside daily for personal growth! 04:04 Intro to our guest, Neal Bawa! 04:52 What has happened in the real estate market over the last 18 months? 14:32 Discussing previous high-inflation periods! 23:45 How has Neal’s underwriting changed given the market conditions? 29:28 Is it worth putting more money down to increase cash flow? 34:48 The future of office space! 43:18 Why Neal is bullish on Build-to-Rent! 52:22 Neal’s revised outlook on tokenization. 54:24 What is Neal’s competitive advantage? 54:56 One piece of advice for new investors. 55:54 What do you do for fun? 56:15 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 57:24 Local Network Recommendation? 57:49 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Baris Yuksel, Supreme Capital Link: Multifamily Insights Podcast Link: Baris' LinkedIn Link: John Warren SUCI Ep 196 (Network Referral) Sponsors: Pentwater Cabinetry and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:25 Housing Provider Tip: Understand Gross vs Net Income when screening tenants! 05:16 Intro to our guest, Baris 10:20 Why did Boris start with a mixed-use building? 19:31 Establishing a Geographical Focus and Finding Capital to Scale! 22:11 Self-Managing a Growing Portfolio. 31:39 Discussion on different Chicago neighborhoods! 37:15 Baris’ outlook on Chicago Real Estate! 40:22 What is Baris’ competitive advantage? 40:45 One piece of advice for new investors. 41:19 What do you do for fun? 41:37 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 42:08 Local Network Recommendation? 42:52 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

What's new with the NBOA and how can the NBOA assist small-mid size housing providers? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Michael Glasser, NBOA Link: EUBA Chicago Facebook Link: South Side Community Investors Association Facebook Link: https://lreic.org/ Link: https://lincolnparkbuilders.com/ Link: https://www.rpbg.org/ Link: https://www.chicagonsbc.com/ Link: https://www.southsidebuilderschicago.com/ Sponsors: Pentwater Cabinetry and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Michaela Gordon is a seasoned Realtor and Designer with over 10 years of experience acquiring and renovating properties in Chicago! Michaela kicks things off by talking about her background in architecture and design. She explains the significance of the different Chicago lot sizes and their impact on a building’s footprints and redevelopment potential. Michaela also compares Chicago architecture to Los Angeles’ architecture. She drops golden insight on modernizing units on a budget and also lays out improvements that are NOT worth the ROI. Michaela closes with powerful words on the value that investment-minded realtors offer and gives her outlook on the Real Estate market! 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: Michaela Gordon, MG Home Chicago Link: MG Homes Instagram Link: Brandon Hood Instagram (Network Referral) Link: Per My Last Email (Michaela's Podcast) Sponsors: Cost Seg Kev and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 02:49 Housing Provider Tip: Understand Source of Income and other protected classes when screening tenants! 04:54 Intro to our guest, Michaela Gordon! 07:38 Michaela’s real estate origin story! 11:32 Chicago Lot Sizes and their importance. 17:52 Modernizing units on a budget. 28:06 Property Improvements that are NOT worth it! 30:29 How can real estate brokers be more investment-minded? 35:32 Michaela’s outlook on the real estate market! 40:20 What is Michaela’s competitive advantage? 41:08 One piece of advice for new investors. 41:17 What do you do for fun? 41:57 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 43:20 Local Network Recommendation? 44:04 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Kevin Greer joins us to break down Community Banks, Commercial Lending, and the State of the Lending Market! Kevin explains the differences between Regional Banks and Community Banks. You'll learn how you can build and leverage a relationship with your local Community Bank. He also shares how his investor mindset and strategy have changed throughout his years of investing. Then, Kevin tells us his outlook on the lending market and how investors should prepare! 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 Greer, Bank Financial Link: Mark@securechoice.biz (Mark Wilczak - Secure Choice Property Inspector) Link: BISNOW Article Sponsors: NEGC Remodeling and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:02 Housing Provider Tip: Monitor the temperature on boiler buildings as the weather warms up! 05:32 Intro to our guest, Kevin Greer! 08:15 Kevin discusses the state of the lending market! 10:04 Ins and outs of a Community Bank. 14:15 How to build a relationship with a Community Bank? 21:32 How do banks stay afloat when business slows? 22:43 How has Kevin’s investing mindset changed over the years? 26:32 Where in Chicago is Kevin seeing the most real estate activity? 32:18 DSCR and commercial loan underwriting! 41:32 Kevin’s outlook on the lending market. 45:45 What is Kevin’s competitive advantage? 46:08 One piece of advice for new investors. 46:35 What do you do for fun? 47:01 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 48:14 Local Network Recommendation? 49:05 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

What is the Chicago Real Estate Rumble and how can I participate, attend, or donate? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Ryan Cotter, The Mortgage Corp Link: Fighter Orientation - Chicago Real Estate Rumble 2023 Link: Real Estate Rumble Series Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Brian Basic is a seasoned investor with experience ranging from Condo Deconversions to Buy and Hold Rentals! Brian starts by explaining the origins of his family’s REI business and the lessons learned from his wide range of investing experience. Next is a deep dive on the differences between being a landlord in the City of Chicago compared to the Suburbs. Brian discusses his geographical areas of expertise including West Lawn, Garfield Ridge, and other areas surrounding Midway airport! Throughout the show, Brian emphasizes the power of buy and hold real estate and encourages newbies to get started to begin leveraging the benefits! 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: Brian Basic, OAC Management Link: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/ Link: Attorney Recommendation Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:16 Housing Provider Tip: Ensure your leases are compliant with the latest laws this leasing season! 05:31 Intro to our guest, Brian Basik! 07:24 How did Brian and his family get started in REI? 13:28 Brian’s Lessons Learned! 19:34 What is Brian’s REI focus today? 22:01 Land-lording in the City vs Suburbs! 24:19 Positive momentum in West Lawn and surrounding neighborhoods! 34:30 How have Brian and his team set up property management? 38:22 Where does Brian want to be 10 years from now? 42:07 What is Brian’s competitive advantage? 42:28 One piece of advice for new investors. 43:07 What do you do for fun? 43:24 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 44:05 Local Network Recommendation? 44:32 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Roger starts by discussing how he found a niche in New Construction and jumps into lessons learned throughout the years. Leaning on his decades of investing experience, he’s able to provide insight on red flags leading up to the last housing crash and discuss the emergence of north side neighborhoods like Uptown, Edgewater, and Buena Park. Roger breaks down how he identifies areas where new construction is profitable and summarizes the key players of your real estate investing team. Roger closes by pulling out the crystal ball and sharing a bullish outlook on 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: Roger Luri, LD2 Development Link: Roger's LinkedIn Link: Don't Buy Multi-Family! BUILD IT (Roger's Book) Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and NEGC Remodeling ----------------- Guest Questions 02:24 Housing Provider Tip: Leverage Google Earth as a due diligence tool when purchasing property! 04:19 Intro to our guest, Roger Luri! 07:41 Finding a niche in new construction! 11:28 What red flags did Roger notice leading up to the last housing crash? 14:39 Working with neighborhood groups when redeveloping property! 16:24 Seeing Development in Uptown, Edgewater, and other North Side Neighborhoods! 21:42 Determining locations where new construction is profitable. 25:46 Keys to building a solid real estate team! 32:00 Roger compares rehabs and new construction! 41:02 How to set up Joint Ventures? 43:25 Roger’s outlook on Chicago! 46:45 What is Roger’s competitive advantage? 47:44 One piece of advice for new investors. 48:31 What do you do for fun? 49:12 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 50:17 Local Network Recommendation? 51:02 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

What is the future of rent control in Illinois and what are the implications based on rent control from other cities? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Mike Baker & Mike Hagensen | New Era Chicago | NBOAChicago Link: Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work - Freakonomics Link: Vacant, Rent-Stabilized and Locked Up: NYC’s Ghost Apartments Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Ignacio Gonzalez joins us to explain everything you need to know about the neighborhood he was born and raised in, and currently invests in; Back of the Yards! Ignacio jumps right in by explaining how he started investing in the neighborhood and defines its geographical borders. He shares lessons learned from his first (over budget and over schedule) rehab project and other large gut renovations that he’s taken on. He provides insight on the explosive growth of property and rent values along with his forecast of Back of the Yards’ trajectory. Throughout the show, Ignacio emphasizes the importance of knowing your community and the satisfaction that comes with being a contributing member to a community’s growth! 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: Ignacio Gonzalez, Beyond Legacy Homes Link: SUCI Ep 202 - Ben Sussman Link: Living with the Monks (Book Recommendation) Link: Beyond Legacy Website Link: Beyond Legacy Instagram Link: Dream Catcher Cafe Website Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:08 Housing Provider Tip: Be mindful of tenant notice requirements and plan accordingly! 05:28 Intro to our guest, Ignacio Gonzalez! 06:17 How did Ignacio get started in Back of the Yards? 08:17 What are the borders of the Back of the Yards neighborhood? 10:55 Ignacio discusses his return to Back of the Yards! 18:30 What motivated Ignacio to keep going after his rocky first project? 24:27 Ignacio discusses rent growth in Back of the Yards! 28:34 Lessons learned from large rehab jobs. 38:38 How is Ignacio influencing his peers to invest in Back of the Yards? 40:25 Ignacio discusses his upcoming coffee shop! 44:15 What is Ignacio's competitive advantage? 44:40 One piece of advice for new investors. 45:05 What do you do for fun? 45:32 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 46:24 Local Network Recommendation? 47:04 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Interested in investing near a Chicagoland University to provide student housing?! Harrison Cohen joins us to share how he’s built his portfolio using this model! Harrison explains why he decided to focus on student housing and the nuances of student housing near different universities, including University of Chicago, UIC, DePaul, and Loyola. Harrison dives deep on the leasing process and how it differs from leasing to market tenants. Lastly, he shares lessons learned from student housing investments including underwriting tips and advice on pivoting when things don’t go as planned! 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: Harrison Cohen, Triton Realty Group Link: SUCI Ep 22 - Matt Fritzshall Link: Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate (Book Recommendation) Link: Chris Titcomb (Attorney) Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 04:07 Housing Provider Tip: Be mindful of incorrect tax exemptions being applied to your property! 06:25 Intro to our guest, Harrison Cohen! 07:07 Why focus on student housing? 09:38 How is student housing different from standard rentals? 11:38 Harrison discusses housing for University of Chicago students! 20:20 Harrison talks about student housing near UIC! 26:41 How to succeed with student housing near DePaul University? 29:13 Are there investment opportunities near Loyola University? 30:38 Harrison gets granular on the leasing process for student housing! 38:45 Does the Chicago RLTO apply to student housing? 48:00 What is Harrison's competitive advantage? 48:24 One piece of advice for new investors. 49:00 What do you do for fun? 49:40 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 51:25 Local Network Recommendation? 51:57 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

What should I expect when I hire a contractor for my first remodel? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Matthew Nosal, NEGC Remodeling ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Do short term, mid term, and new construction rentals interest you?! Andrew Holmes provides great insight on how he’s been utilizing all of these investment vehicles to grow his portfolio! Andrew kicks things off by discussing the differences between today’s real estate market and the 2012 market when he got started in real estate. He transitions into the new construction development that he and his group have been working on in Florida. Andrew explains how he’s been able to explode his cash-flow with short term and mid term rentals while remaining conservative in the underwriting of those investments. He closes with his thoughts on today’s interest rate environment, the opportunities that those rates are providing, and provides a 5 year outlook for things he and his team will accomplish! 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: Andrew Holmes, Chicago REIA Link: SUCI Ep 50 - Andrew's Last SUCI Episode Link: SUCI Ep 62 - Farrah Ali Link: Diaries of a Female Real Estate Investor (Book Recommendation) Link: PetScreening.com Sponsors: Midwest RE Networking Summit and Essex Realty Group ----------------- Guest Questions 03:31 Housing Provider Tip: Utilize pet screening software to prevent scammers from getting away with false pet certificates! 06:07 Intro to our guest, Andrew Holmes! 08:45 Differences between the 2012 and 2023 real estate market! 11:25 What has Andrew been working on since he was last on the show in 2021? 17:19 Andrew discusses lessons learned from building new construction homes in Florida! 24:23 Andrew talks about investing in Short Term and Mid Term Rentals! 39:05 How can you tell if a market has strong demand for STRs or MTRs? 44:40 Andrew talks about interest rates in today’s market! 47:19 What do the next 5 years look like for Andrew and his group? 50:54 What is Andrew's competitive advantage? 51:17 One piece of advice for new investors. 51:34 What do you do for fun? 51:42 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 53:07 Local Network Recommendation? 53:59 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Interested in investing in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, but wondering if you’re too late to the party?! Jason Stratton joins us to provide his perspective as a seasoned realtor, investor, and resident of the neighborhood. Jason starts by sharing what attracted him to Bucktown and his first deal. He defines the street borders of Bucktown, the amazing attributes of the neighborhood, and shares how he’s finding deal flow in today’s market. Adjacent neighborhood Wicker Park is discussed including the implications of owning a landmark property. Jason shares golden input on other emerging neighborhoods that he’s bullish on and his rationale behind those beliefs. He closes with empowering words on the Chicago Real Estate market and on the mindset investors should cultivate to be successful! 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: Jason Stratton, The KlopasStratton Team Link: Extreme Ownership (Book Recommendation) Link: Seth Kaplan (Attorney) Link: Jeff Swanberg (Inspector) Link: KlopasStratton Podcast ----------------- Guest Questions 03:00 Housing Provider Tip: Leverage keyless entry locks to make access easier! 05:12 Intro to our guest, Jason Stratton! 09:58 Jason discusses his first real estate deal! 17:30 What are the borders of Bucktown? 19:19 How is Jason finding deals in the small neighborhood of Bucktown? 23:25 Jason talks about Wicker Park! 30:21 Other North Side Neighborhoods with a ton of potential! 35:52 Jason gives his outlook on the Chicago Real Estate Market. 38:22 What is Jason's competitive advantage? 38:48 One piece of advice for new investors. 39:48 What do you do for fun? 41:57 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 43:43 Local Network Recommendation? 44:46 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

What must an investor consider when planning to work with a contractor? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Matthew Nosal, NEGC Remodeling ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Prashanth Mahakali returns to the SUCI Podcast (Episode 21) with his business partner Fernando Lopez to discuss all things related to New Construction Builds. Prashanth and Fernando discuss the formation of their partnership and their complementary skill sets. They explain how they’ve made the new construction design and development business model profitable. They dive deep on the level of customization they offer and share challenges they’ve faced when dealing with buyers. The duo tells us what areas and neighborhoods they are bullish on and planning new developments in! 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: Prashanth Mahakali and Fernando Lopez, Real View Design & Development Link: SUCI Ep 21 (Prashanth's Last Episode) Link: Alex Hormozi AI Video Link: Indistractable (Book Recommendation) Link: Darpet (Doors and Trim Vendor) Link: Hillside Lumber (Lumber Vendor) ----------------- Guest Questions 02:12 Housing Provider Tip: Change door locks between turnovers! 05:25 Intro to our guests, Prashanth Mahakali and Fernando Lopez! 07:36 Prashanth and Fernando discuss the formation of their partnership and their first deal together! 19:38 How to be profitable building new construction homes. 27:44 How custom are these new construction homes? 33:53 Prashanth and Fernando share challenges they’ve faced! 43:24 Software and/or Practices for tracking buyer customization. 44:55 What neighborhoods are Prashanth and Fernando focusing on? 51:38 The impact of interest rates on new construction home pricing. 53:03 What is Prashanth’s and Fernando's competitive advantage? 54:07 One piece of advice for new investors. 55:19 What do you do for fun? 56:57 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 57:41 Local Network Recommendation? 58:33 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Nick Chaplain joins us to explain how real estate investors can leverage life insurance policies to “Be Your Own Bank”. He jumps right into leveraging policies and building cash value as collateral for other investment opportunities. Nick explains how the wealthy take advantage of these strategies and their significant tax benefits. Mark also chimes in on how he has utilized this to help pay for his children’s college! Tune in if you're interested in learning more about nuanced strategies to grow your net worth! 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: Nick Chaplain, Boston Cash Flow Financial Link: The Power of Zero (Book Recommendation) Link: Confessions of a CPA (Book Recommendation) Link: The Snowball (Book Recommendation) Link: Ash Wasilidas (Network Referral) ----------------- Guest Questions 04:00 Housing Provider Tip: Listen to the first 50 SUCI episodes! 05:30 Intro to our guest, Nick Chaplain! 08:06 The “Be Your Own Bank” Strategy! 09:27 Nick explains “compounding money”! 21:55 Different Types of Life Insurance Policies. 28:00 Mark shares his scenario of leveraging his Life Insurance Policy! 39:05 Strategies to Pay for the Annual Premium! 43:57 What is Nick's competitive advantage? 45:40 One piece of advice for new investors. 46:30 What do you do for fun? 46:55 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 47:54 Local Network Recommendation? 48:08 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

An incident happened at my building and now a reporter has reached out. How should I respond? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Myk Snider of Sphere Public Relations ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Catalin Maticiuc of Compass joins us to share a wonderful immigrant success story involving house hacks on the North Side and BRRRRs on the South Side of Chicago! Catalin talks about him immigrating to the United States and getting started in real estate! He speaks about the sleepless nights he had on his first house hack in Humboldt Park involving a FHA 203k loan to renovate that property. He goes on to talk about investing in Hegewisch, the adjacent neighborhoods, and why that model has worked for him. Catalin closes with motivating words on his goals and provides advice that investors of all experience levels will find useful! 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: Catalin Maticiuc, Compass Link: SUCI Ep 53 - CHA Roundtable Link: BRRRR Book by David Greene Link: Brandon Moulton (Renovo Financial) Link: Catalin's Instagram ----------------- Guest Questions 04:19 Housing Provider Tip: Be mindful that source of income has been added to the Fair 03:18 Housing Provider Tip: Be aware of tax filing requirements set by lenders! 05:01 Intro to our guest, Catalin Maticiuc! 06:56 Catalin talks about his start in real estate! 17:25 What did Catalin do after his first house hack in Humboldt Park? 22:04 How did Catalin start investing in Hegewisch? 33:30 How has Catalin been able to scale? 41:37 What are Catalin’s next goals? 45:34 What is Catalin's competitive advantage? 46:44 One piece of advice for new investors. 47:33 What do you do for fun? 48:08 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 49:14 Local Network Recommendation? 49:45 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.

Interested in learning how our guest has acquired 12 doors before age 30?! Although it may sound glamorous, Ben Sussman gives us a raw breakdown of the mistakes he’s made and how he’s rebounded strongly to continue growing his real estate portfolio! Ben talks about his start in real estate and explains why he was attracted to the Belmont Cragin and Back of the Yards neighborhoods. He shares a horror story involving a broken sewer line in his first property along with lessons learned. Ben then turns up the horror level notch by discussing his second project where he inherited a gang-member tenant who threatened him with physical violence multiple times! He breaks down how he resolved the situation and how despite all the obstacles, those positives have far outweighed the negatives! 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: Ben Sussman, Exit Realty Link: The Almanack (Book Recommendation) Link: Retire Early with Real Estate Investing (Book Recommendation) Link: Alan Sussman (Insurance Agent Facebook) Link: Alan Sussman Link: Ben's Instagram Ben’s email: bsussman123@gmail.com ----------------- Guest Questions 04:19 Housing Provider Tip: Be mindful that source of income has been added to the Fair Housing Protected Classes and cannot be discriminated against! 07:50 Intro to our guest, Ben Sussman! 09:23 How did Ben get started in real estate? 13:28 Ben talks about the neighborhoods he started investing in and his first acquisition! 22:52 Lessons learned on Ben’s first property! 25:12 Why did Ben go from Belmont Cragin to the Back of the Yards neighborhood for this second project? 33:18 Did Ben account for the added risk when acquiring his second property in a lower-class neighborhood? 38:05 How did Ben get out of the situation with his hostile, gang-member tenant? 42:39 Ben summarizes the lessons learned on this second property! 58:16 What is Ben's competitive advantage? 59:07 One piece of advice for new investors. 59:49 What do you do for fun? 61:15 Good book, podcast, or self-development activity that you would recommend? 62:07 Local Network Recommendation? 64:08 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2023.