Straight Up Chicago Investor

David Lecko is an investor and CEO of DealMachine; a software that helps investors streamline the process of off-market property lead generation! David starts by discussing the genesis of DealMachine He does a deep dive on the 25 motivated seller lists that can be found on DealMachine or other applications. He emphasizes the importance of being persistent and putting in the reps as off-market lead generation is a numbers game. David closes with great tips on the importance of taking action and building a network to set yourself up for success! 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 Lecko, DealMachine Link: David’s Instagram Link: The DealMachine REI Podcast Link: My First Million Podcast Link: Nick Gray (Network Recommendation) ----------------- Guest Questions 01:39 Housing Provider Tip - Perform a usability check during your turnovers to ensure everything is functioning appropriately! 02:34 Intro to our guest, David Lecko. 06:14 The Genesis of DealMachine. 10:04 DealMachine’s Lists! 30:16 How new investors can start utilizing the lists. 33:02 Scripts for sellers and call-back expectations. 36:50 What is your competitive advantage? 37:13 One piece of advice for new investors. 38:07 What do you do for fun? 38:29 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 38:54 Local Network Recommendation? 40:20 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Larry Baszynski and Scott Hodgden of Finance of America Commercial are seasoned lenders who have helped their investor clients build tremendous real estate portfolios and wealth. Larry and Scott discuss the products that their company offers including Fix and Flip loans, Construction Loans, and Long-Term loans for stabilized properties. They share common pitfalls and root causes of failed renovation projects. The duo explains how hard money loans are underwritten and what a borrower needs to know to set themselves up for a successful loan! This show is full of golden nuggets with emphasis on the importance of building your team and buying your next investment property sooner! 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: Larry Baszynski and Scott Hodgden, Finance of America Commercial Link: The Success System That Never Fails (Book Recommendation) Link: SUCI Ep 79 - Gary Davidson Link: SUCI Ep 50 - Andrew Holmes ----------------- Guest Questions 02:57 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure windows are properly caulked to prevent leaks! 04:34 Intro to our guest, Larry and Scott! 13:41 FOA Commercials' transition after being bought out. 15:06 FOA Commercials’ products. 18:57 DSCR loans for stabilized properties. 25:44 Common causes of failed investments! 29:03 How interest rates are impacting lending! 35:25 Where are hard money funds sourced from? 36:49 Taking back a property on a failed project. 40:53 How aggressive can FOA Commercial get? 44:18 What happens if interest rates hit 10%? 46:02 What is your competitive advantage? 46:43 One piece of advice for new investors. 47:57 What do you do for fun? 48:23 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 49:33 Local Network Recommendation? 51:00 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

What are tangible property regulations and how can investors leverage this IRS code to pay less in taxes? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Brenten Blakeman, Tangible Property Tax Methods Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Moses Hall is a top producing commercial real estate broker and leads a brokerage that serves investors, landlords, and tenants. Moses discusses his start in real estate, taking the plunge to start his own business, and the challenges that came with that. He dives into his geographical areas of focus in Chicago and his investment strategy. Moses sheds light on the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR), his leadership position on the board, and the value that CAR brings to all its members. Moses closes with a bullish outlook on Chicago emphasizing why we are and will continue to be a world class city! 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: Moses Hall, MoHall Commercial & Urban Development Link: Kevin Rocio (Network Recommendation) Link: Moses' LinkedIn Link: SUCI Build Your Team ----------------- Guest Questions 02:00 Housing Provider Tip - Make yourself visible for CHA and City Inspections! 04:00 Intro to our guest, Moses Hall! 10:10 Biggest unforeseen challenge when starting a business! 11:49 Drama with Tiffany Henyard. 13:53 Moses’ areas of focus. 16:16 Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) and their mission! 23:39 Benefits of being a CAR member. 25:43 How is CAR working with NAR on the recent settlement? 37:27 Other areas of focus for CAR! 40:47 Efforts to make adding affordable housing easier. 41:55 Moses’ outlook on Chicago. 43:33 What is your competitive advantage? 44:07 One piece of advice for new investors. 44:38 What do you do for fun? 44:55 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 45:26 Local Network Recommendation. 49:59 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Brian Tibbs is an investor and best-selling author who teaches others how to thrive financially! Brian starts by sharing how he hit the ground running by house hacking multiple properties and scaling up to 10-units before the age of 30! He explains how he saved money for down payments and the setbacks he experienced during his early REI days. Brian explains “The HACKER Method” - a wealth-building system to “hack” your lifestyle to grow great wealth. He breaks down each part of the system and reveals the practical steps to save more, invest more, and build wealth. Throughout the show, Brian emphasizes the importance of strategically budgeting and investing for anyone looking to thrive financially! 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 Tibbs of The Unexpected Investor Link: The Unexpected Investor Calculators Link: All-In Podcast Link: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Link: Brandon Turner Instagram ----------------- Guest Questions 03:11 Housing Provider Tip - Understand HOA rules if you’re considering changing flooring! 05:15 Intro to our guest, Brian Tibbs! 11:24 Brian’s RE acquisitions following his first duplex. 16:21 Early setbacks that Brian experienced! 19:07 Intro to The HACKER Method! 29:50 The power of compounding money. 41:00 How to scale responsibly. 43:55 Jumping into short-term rentals. 49:45 How anyone can apply the HACKER method! 54:16 Passing on good financial habits to your children. 57:33 What is your competitive advantage? 58:19 One piece of advice for new investors. 59:08 What do you do for fun? 59:37 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 60:56 Local Network Recommendation? 61:56 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

What items need to be covered in a successful operating agreement? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Chance Badertscher, Lavelle Law Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Anthony Rodriguez is an experienced Chicago Property Manager who manages over 300 units for Drexel Properties! Anthony starts by discussing his previous experience in other industries and how those skills have translated into his real estate career. Then, Tom and Anthony retell the story of how their team managed a boiler explosion in a multifamily building. They break down how they notified the City and other stakeholders, relocated tenants, coordinated the boiler repair and City Inspections, and finally returned tenants back to the building! This episode is full of great insights on how to correctly handle building emergencies and the importance of having a network to manage these unfortunate incidents! 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: Anthony Rodriguez, Drexel Properties Link: SUCI Ep 154 - Jeff Weinberg ----------------- Guest Questions 02:10 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure you have contacts for special equipment repairs! 03:54 Intro to our guest, Anthony Rodriguez! 05:57 Anthony’s start with Drexel Properties! 10:08 The Boiler Blowup Story! 24:06 Relocating tenants during an emergency. 30:26 Other damages caused by the incident. 36:46 Tenants return to the building. 39:02 Could the incident have been prevented with additional due diligence? 48:12 What is your competitive advantage? 48:37 One piece of advice for new investors. 48:57 What do you do for fun? 49:19 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 49:47 Local Network Recommendation? 50:14 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Chicago Native Dorian Bezanis is the president of ALPHA Adjusting and has nearly four decades of investing experience in Chicago’s Northside! Dorian jumps right in by discussing the investing portfolio he’s built in Edgewater and Rogers Park over the last 37 years. He explains the role of a public adjuster, the immense value they bring to investors. Dorian gets granular by sharing how to handle fires and other losses at investment properties. He closes with a five year outlook on Chicago including a bullish take on rent 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: Dorian Bezanis, ALPHA Adjusting | Email Dorian (Dorian@AlphaAdjusting.com) Link: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel (Book Recommendation) Link: Andy Dolliff (Network Referral) ----------------- Guest Questions 01:16 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure you have a punch list for turnover to handle! 02:44 Intro to our guest, Dorian Bezanis! 06:57 Breaking down Dorian’s portfolio! 17:28 Advice to new investors from 37 years of experience! 25:17 Understanding the value of Public Adjusters. 37:15 Handling fires and other claims! 48:48 Dorian’s 5 year outlook on Chicago real estate. 54:02 What is your competitive advantage? 54:15 One piece of advice for new investors. 54:24 What do you do for fun? 54:41 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 55:46 Local Network Recommendation? 57:14 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

How does the draw process work when taking on a construction loan? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Eric Workman, Renovo Financial Link: Workman Lending Team - Renovo Financial - Real Estate Investment Loans ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Neena Vlamis is the President and Owner of A and N Mortgage. Born and raised in Chicago, she discusses building her mortgage company along with developing an impressive real estate investment portfolio in Chicago. Neena starts by explaining how she scaled her mortgage company, building a culture, and behind the scenes challenges. She provides insights on how lending regulations vary across states and talks about what makes A and N unique. Neena gives her take on adapting to a higher interest rate market and the recent NAR settlement. She closes with a bullish outlook on the Chicago 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: Neena Vlamis, A and N Mortgage Link: SUCI Ep 250 - Jonathan Klemm ----------------- Guest Questions 01:10 Housing Provider Tip - Keep up with landscaping to avoid fines from the city! 03:01 Intro to our guest, Neena Vlamis! 07:01 Neena’s early lending and investing days! 13:47 Scaling the mortgage lending business. 16:18 Maintaining culture in a business. 20:19 Behind the scenes lending challenges. 24:16 Neena’s other investments! 32:24 Differences in lending across states. 35:08 What makes A and N Mortgage unique? 38:29 Adapting to higher interest rates. 41:44 Neena’s outlook on Chicago and the Real Estate Industry! 45:50 What is your competitive advantage? 46:04 One piece of advice for new investors. 46:13 What do you do for fun? 46:36 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 47:03 Local Network Recommendation? 48:13 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Andrew Dorazion is a former Army officer and accomplished real estate broker, investor, and property manager! Andrew jumps right in with a cool story involving a funeral home turned short term rental! He shares tips on finding partners and structuring partnerships to help scale more quickly. Andrew drops valuable nuggets on pumping a building’s NOI through reconfigured floor plans and adding ADUs. He does a deep dive on the Zoning Change Process in Chicago! Throughout the show, Andrew emphasizes the importance of taking action to propel your growth in real estate and any other endeavor! 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 Dorazio, Dorazio Real Estate Link: BCG Real Estate Group Link: Andrew's ADU Blog Link: My First Million (Podcast Recommendation) Link: Buy Then Build (Book Recommendation) Link: SUCI Ep 245 - JD Modrak Link: SUCI Ep 224 - Jason Wagner ----------------- Guest Questions 02:00 Housing Provider Tip - Maintain AC units as the weather gets warmer! 03:15 Intro to our guest, Andrew Dorazio! 03:45 Andrew’s “killer” deal! 07:28 Andrew’s start in real estate. 12:11 How to find partners to scale faster? 17:00 Early mistakes on Short Term Rentals. 24:04 Ways to reposition an asset. 35:05 The Process of a Zoning Change! 44:56 Building Department for requirements for ADUs! 50:25 What’s next for Andrew and his team? 53:14 What is your competitive advantage? 54:03 One piece of advice for new investors. 55:34 What do you do for fun? 56:17 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 57:48 Local Network Recommendation? 58:38 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Where Are Interest Rates Heading and What's Happening in The Capital Markets? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Eric Workman, Renovo Financial Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Joey Coleman is a best selling author and founder of a branding firm that specializes in helping businesses retain customers and employees! Joey jumps right in by explaining the difference between customer service and customer experience. He explains the best ways to handle routine tenant check ins and disagreements with tenants all through the lens of optimizing customer experience. Joey shares how the Eight Phases to “Never Lose a Customer Again” apply to prospective tenants. Joey closes with an amazing story of how a human-level connection and a small gift resulted in a tremendous business opportunity! 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: Joey Coleman, Design Symphony Link: Never Lose A Customer Again Link: Never Lose An Employee Again Link: Dan Gingiss (Network Referral) Link: Careers | GC Realty & Development, LLC ----------------- Guest Questions 03:23 Housing Provider Tip - Run your investment properties like a business and treat your residents like clients. 03:51 Intro to our guest, Joey Coleman! 07:04 Customer service vs customer experience! 14:00 To check in with the tenant or not? 16:29 Reassuring tenants after move-in. 23:47 Phases to Never Lose a Customer Again! 41:10 How to handle disagreements with tenants? 50:58 Gifts and the $35,000 golf ball! 56:56 Advice to 20 year old Joey Coleman. 59:16 What is your competitive advantage? 59:42 One piece of advice for new investors. 60:16 What do you do for fun? 60:57 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 62:44 Local Network Recommendation? 64:00 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Sabrina Wottreng is a Chicago-based Publicist and a “Friend of the Pod.” Sabrina’s company specializes in the real estate sector and has helped many Chicago-area real estate teams with their public relations (PR) and communications strategies. Sabrina explains how she got started in PR and her introduction into commercial real estate. She dives into the value-add that her company brings to real estate investors and gives tips on building an online presence and reputation. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of LinkedIn, building your network, and even updated headshots if you’re an investor looking to scale. This show is full of amazing tips you likely have not considered and can easily leverage to scale your real estate business. 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: Sabrina Wottreng of Sabrina Wottreng Public Relations Link: Sabrina's LinkedIn Link: SUCI Ep 274 - Marc Rutzen Link: SUCI Ep 275 - Mike Kehoe Link: SUCI Ep 124 - Aaron Galvin Link: The Messy Middle (Book Recommendation) Link: Brian McConkey Photography ----------------- Guest Questions 03:23 Housing Provider Tip - Consult with your attorney before negotiating with problem tenants. 05:07 Intro to our guest, Sabrina Wottreng! 08:18 Sabrina’s start in real estate! 11:48 Sabrina’s PR services! 20:08 Importance of reviews and reputation. 24:58 When should investors start caring about their online presence? 29:12 Marketing for Investors 101! 36:17 Building your network as a new investor! 40:49 Importance of headshots! 45:36 Sabrina’s value proposition to investors! 51:18 What’s next for Sabrina? 52:30 What is your competitive advantage? 52:50 One piece of advice for new investors. 53:18 What do you do for fun? 53:40 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 54:22 Local Network Recommendation? 55:04 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

How is DSCR calculated, and how does it affect investors' ability to borrow? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Eric Workman, Renovo Financial Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Jared Kott returns to share the ups and downs of his real estate journey that started just over 10 years ago when he left the corporate world! Jared gets right into it by talking about the challenges of operating in C/D class neighborhoods! He shares the cold hard truth of dealing with a slip-and-fall incident at one of his properties where he was found guilty in court. Jared provides insights on the trajectory of the Southeast side and on putting emotion aside to deal with non-paying tenants. Jared closes by talking about his adventures in Michigan involving awesome short-term rentals and boat rentals! 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: Jared Kott, Marblestone Property Group Link: SUCI Ep 11 - Jared Kott Link: SUCI Ep 79 - Gary Davidson Link: 12 Week Year (Book Recommendation) ----------------- Guest Questions 02:00 Housing Provider Tip - Shop around for home insurance to get the best value. 04:02 Intro to our guest, Jared Kott. 07:03 Reflecting on a decade of experience! 14:22 Jared’s recent slip-and-fall incident. 26:23 Trajectory of Chicago’s Southeast Side! 42:34 Dealing with non-paying tenants. 48:50 Jared’s Michigan adventures! 56:25 What is your competitive advantage? 56:55 One piece of advice for new investors. 57:22 What do you do for fun? 57:40 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 58:17 Local Network Recommendation? 58:42 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Rory Rubin, founder of S.I. Container Builds, joins us to explain how her company’s Container Homes is a high-quality solution to current housing affordability and inventory issues! Rory starts by explaining her background in social work and the process of starting up S.I. Container Builds! She breaks down specs and pricing of container homes illustrating the quality and affordability when compared to traditional home construction. Rory gives the 101 on the building process and overlooked considerations for modular home construction! Throughout the show, Rory hammers home the importance of doing good by others and delivering quality products that you can stand behind! 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: Rory Rubin, S.I. Container Builds | Email Rory Link: SUCI Ep 134 - Josh Braun Link: Larisa Drake (Network Referral) Link: Linsey Cohen (Network Referral) ----------------- Guest Questions 02:16 Housing Provider Tip - Get quotes early for best pricing on your spring projects! 04:18 Intro to our guest, Rory Rubin! 08:20 Getting funding for a startup. 15:26 SI Container Builds’ clientele! 19:43 Common specs on container homes. 22:24 Container home pricing. 26:05 Considerations for building container homes in Chicago! 32:08 The building process. 39:25 The future of the container home industry. 43:08 What is your competitive advantage? 43:38 One piece of advice for new investors. 44:22 What do you do for fun? 44:48 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 45:44 Local Network Recommendation? 46:28 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

What should I expect on the final walk through from both the buyer and seller side? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Chance Badertscher, Lavelle Law Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

Brendon starts by sharing his buy box and how he was ready to pounce when he found the right property. Brendon and Sarita share great insights on how to jump at opportunities when the competition is fearful. Brendon explains worrisome moments and lessons learned during the purchase of his househack both before and after closing. Brendon breaks down the new 5% down lending product that everyone is talking about but few investors have actually utilized. This show is full of great tips for aspiring househackers and seasoned investors alike! 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: Brendon Heneks & Sarita Scherpereel, Fairway Independent Mortgage Link: SUCI Ep 238 - Mike Facchini Link: SUCI Ep 247 - Sarita Scherpereel Link: Millionaire Next Door (Book Recommendation) Link: Ken (Inspector Referral) ----------------- Guest Questions 03:20 Housing Provider Tip - Consider upgrading landscaping during the spring season. 04:36 Intro to our guests, Brendon Heneks and Sarita Scherpereel! 09:12 Brendon’s househack search! 11:08 What to know about gift funds. 14:15 Brendon’s buy box! 19:50 Opportunities in higher market time properties. 25:50 Mindset of buying in a higher interest market. 31:04 Worrisome moments while under contract! 39:36 Brendon’s lessons learned after his first multi-unit purchase. 40:44 Outlook on Chicago. 45:11 What is your competitive advantage? 46:16 One piece of advice for new investors. 46:54 What do you do for fun? 47:13 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 48:10 Local Network Recommendation? 49:10 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.

David Shifrin, the doctor of Motor Row, returns with his real estate agent Rob Sikkel to discuss how he’s grown his portfolio with quality multifamily properties over the last 2 years! David starts by explaining his investing strategy and how he’s acquired 5 multifamily buildings since his last appearance on SUCI! David and Rob dive into the details of how they built their buyer-agent relationship to propel their growth. The duo breaks down a homerun deal in Bucktown involving splitting a double lot and selling half of it! Golden nuggets are dropped on the West Town neighborhood and best “bang for your buck” renovation items. 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 Shifrin & Rob Sikkel, Elite Chicago Properties and At Properties Link: SUCI Ep 48 - David Shifrin 1st Episode Link: Rob Sikkel (Realtor) Link: Jodi Dougherty (Network Referral) ----------------- Guest Questions 03:49 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure you’re prepared for freezing and thawing cycles during the spring season. 05:17 Intro to our guests, David Shifrin and Rob Sikkel. 08:04 David’s investing strategy! 09:45 Building a great buyer-agent relationship! 17:02 Double lot, homerun deal! 28:51 The property search process. 31:47 Breaking down West Town! 34:45 Insights on renovation! 37:30 Dealing with higher interest rates and tapping into equity. 40:44 Outlook on Chicago. 42:04 What is your competitive advantage? 42:58 One piece of advice for new investors. 44:34 What do you do for fun? 46:09 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 47:02 Local Network Recommendation? 48:35 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2024.