Straight Up Chicago Investor

Latest Episodes:

Episode 342: Building and Selling a 7-Figure Property Management Company and Leveling Up with Virtual Assistants with Pete Neubig Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Pete Neubig joins us to discuss how he built and sold a 7-figure property management company and started VPM Solutions; a platform designed to help property management and real estate professionals with staffing to improve efficiencies and profits!

Pete starts by explaining how he went from IT to building and selling a 7-figure property management company! He shares a brief horror story about getting sued for $1.5 million! He discusses how he started VPN Solutions on the "Who Not How" concept; Pete is leveraging remote staff to offload work to focus on higher-dollar activities. This show is packed with fantastic tips to help improve your business and grow your bottom line!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Pete Neubig, VPM Solutions

Link: NARPM Website

Link: Pete's LinkedIn

Link: Traction (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions

03:08 Housing Provider Tip - Consider outsourcing all or select aspects of property management!

05:10 Intro to our guest, Pete Neubig!

9:27 Getting sued for $1.5 million!

11:21 Making the jump to start a business.

17:40 Finding a mentor / coach and growing a business!

27:58 Outsourcing property management!

39:04 Processes for hiring management personnel.

48:33 What is your competitive advantage?

49:05 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:15 What do you do for fun?

50:00 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:25 Local Network Recommendation?

50:42 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 341: Cracking the Code to Large Scale Developments with Susan Tjarksen Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

Susan Tjarksen is the Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield and has led the development of residential and commercial across the country!

Susan discusses her time in hotel management and shares some funny/horror stories! She explains how receiverships work and how investors can capitalize on this opportunity. She breaks down the nuances of large scale developments including insane time frames on projects of this magnitude. Susan fires us up with an epic rant on why Chicago is the place to be and is set up to continue growing and thriving!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Susan Tjarksen, Cushman & Wakefield

Link: SUCI Ep 29 - Ciere Boatright

Link: SUCI Ep 68 - Lee Kiser

Link: SUCI Ep 274 - Marc Rutzen

Link: The Overstory (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions

04:02 Housing Provider Tip - Negotiate spring season exterior projects now to get the best pricing!

05:48 Intro to our guest, Susan Tjarksen!

8:57 Horror stories from Susan's hotel management days!

12:25 Permitting/Zoning insights for large scale developments.

15:08 The Ins and Outs of Receivership.

19:29 Establishing a real estate brokerage.

24:50 Transitioning to Cushman & Wakefield.

29:55 Considerations on large scale developments.

44:23 Reasons to be bullish on Chicago!

48:25 What is your competitive advantage?

48:53 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:20 What do you do for fun?

49:40 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:28 Local Network Recommendation?

51:00 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 340: You Might Be Exempt From Paying Sales Tax on Your Materials Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

What is an enterprise zone and how can investors benefit from these areas?

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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: Tom Shallcross, Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

Link: Chicago Enterprise Zone Application

Link: Chicago Enterprise Zone Program

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 339: How to Get to 1,000 Units in 20 Years… The Blueprint With Jeff Weinberg Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

Jeff Weinberg returns to the show after two years to share the impressive growth of Drexel Properties!

Jeff explains how Drexel Properties has grown from 600 units to over 1000 units over the last 2 years. He discusses how his team leverages technology to streamline their property management business. Jeff dives deep on how to find deals in a competitive market and emphasizes the importance of treating your team right and building a great reputation so you're the one who gets the call when a deal is available. Jeff closes with great tips on what to look for in a property manager and the importance of getting in the game ASAP!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Jeff Weinberg, Drexel Properties | Email Jeff (Jeff@DrexelProperties.com)

Link: Jeff's LinkedIn

Link: SUCI Ep 154 - Jeff Weinberg

Link: SUCI Ep 174 - Kevin Krasney (Cole's Appliances)

Link: Mark Cunningham - Property Management Podcast

Guest Questions

02:02 Housing Provider Tip - Be an informed pet friendly housing provider!

06:13 Intro to our guest, Jeff Weinberg!

07:20 Aggressively growing a rental portfolio in a tough market.

15:05 Leveraging technology to scale a portfolio.

19:11 Finding deals in a competitive market.

24:55 Building a reputation as a property manager.

32:40 Key traits of great property managers!

49:53 Things Jeff would've done differently along his journey.

53:30 What is your competitive advantage?

54:18 One piece of advice for new investors.

54:55 What do you do for fun?

55:43 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

56:52 Local Network Recommendation?

57:41 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 338: Skills Earned On The Floor of Wall Street Become Secret Power In Moving Apartment Buildings with Andy Friedman Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

Andy Friedman is a Senior Director at Kiser Group and has a proven track record of success in Chicago Multifamily Real Estate.

Andy shares his experience as a stock trader and brewery owner, including how the skills he obtained in those endeavors translated to real estate! Andy explains the grit required to get off the ground in commercial real estate. He provides valuable tips for new commercial real estate buyers and how those buyers can build relationships with multifamily brokers. In typical SUCI fashion, Andy closes with Chicago neighborhoods that he is bullish on for growth!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Andy Friedman, Kiser Group

Link: Andy's LinkedIn

Link: Range (Book Recommendation)

Link: Dean Huber (Lender Referral)

Link: GC Realty Careers

Guest Questions

01:52 Housing Provider Tip - Building good rapport with your tenants is critical!

03:12 Intro to our guest, Andy Friedman!

16:55 Andy's transition from stock trading to real estate.

22:31 The journey of starting a brewery!

31:30 Getting off the ground in commercial real estate.

39:23 Tips for first time commercial real estate buyers.

54:04 Neighborhoods that Andy is bullish on!

59:07 What is your competitive advantage?

60:01 One piece of advice for new investors.

61:45 What do you do for fun?

62:25 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

64:07 Local Network Recommendation?

66:12 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 337: How to Establish Credibility and Raise Capital Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

What are the appropriate steps to take to raise capital from investors?

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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, AMG Realty

Link: Episode 335: The Growth Every Chicago Investor Wants - Listen To What Aram Ghazaryan Did in 24 Months

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 336: Can Both Sides Get What They Need Around Chicago Landlord-Tenant Laws with Michelle Gilbert Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

Michelle starts by explaining both Chicago's RLTO and Cook County's RTLO, and the differences between the two ordinances. She gets granular on disclosures required from Housing Providers to remain in compliance with the ordinance(s) and breaks down security deposits and move-in fees. Michelle dives deep on the eviction process and shares resolution tips to aid with landlord-tenant issues. She closes with a 5 year outlook for her team at the Law Center for Better Housing to continue advocating for fair housing!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Michelle Gilbert, Law Center for Better Housing (LCBH)

Link: Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD)

Link: Family Properties (Book Recommendation)

Link: SUCI Ep 42 - Bob Floss

Guest Questions

03:02 Housing Provider Tip - Regularly change your thermostat batteries to eliminate easy "No Heat" issues!

04:26 Intro to our guest, Michelle Gilbert!

05:55 Michelle's involvement with the Chicago RLTO!

11:45 The Cook County RTLO!

17:52 Security Fee vs Non-Refundable Move-In Fee.

22:53 Properly disclosing exemptions.

30:38 Cook County eviction process.

35:33 How can Housing Providers and Tenants reach resolutions?

41:02 Refining tenant screening criteria to minimize discrimination.

48:08 5 Year Outlook for Michelle at LCBH!

51:37 What is your competitive advantage?

51:58 One piece of advice for new investors.

53:02 What do you do for fun?

54:16 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

55:10 Local Network Recommendation?

55:46 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 335: The Growth Every Chicago Investor Wants - Listen To What Aram Ghazaryan Did in 24 Months Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

Aram Ghazaryan returns to explain how he transitioned from a successful RE broker to a flipper executing over ten profitable flips per year.

Aram starts by discussing his first multifamily investment which was a 7-unit building. He explains his decision to stop being an agent and jump into flipping properties full time. Aram shares tremendous lessons learned from flipping and has great insights on construction and financing. He breaks down his marketing strategy for deal flow to keep the flip projects coming along. Throughout the show, Aram demonstrates that taking action and surrounding yourself with a good construction and financing is the key to success in the flipping game!

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, AMG Realty | Follow Aram on Instagram (@AramGRealty)

Link: How to Win Friends and Influence People (Book Recommendation)

Link: The Book on Tax Strategies for Savvy Real Estate Investor

Link: Rudy Minasian (Attorney Referral)

Guest Questions

02:11 Housing Provider Tip - Be aware of landlord-tenant requirements around electric vehicle charging stations.

04:37 Intro to our guest, Aram Ghazaryan!

08:37 Purchasing a 7-unit building for the first time!

12:48 Stopping real estate brokerage to be a full time investor.

27:24 Finding contractors and lessons learned from flips!

30:12 Aram's mailing campaign strategy!

36:19 Getting caught working without permits.

46:30 Liquidity requirements for flippers.

48:05 Aram's geographical areas of interest moving forward.

49:47 What is your competitive advantage?

50:07 One piece of advice for new investors.

50:26 What do you do for fun?

51:34 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

52:16 Local Network Recommendation?

52:43 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 334: Canceling a Contract After All Contingencies Have Passed Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

What can you cancel a contract for after all contingencies have passed?

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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: Chance Badertscher of Lavelle Law

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 333: Chicago Building Code Violations and How to Work the System with Zack Limbaugh Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

Zack Limbaugh of the Limbaugh Law Firm provides his clients with legal representation and strategy to remedy Building Code Violations and other matters associated with Chicago Buildings!

Zack starts by explaining how he got his foot in the door with the City of Chicago before becoming an attorney and leveraged those relationships to build a niche in legally handling Building Code Violations! Zack talks about top considerations when seeking financing on violation properties. He then breaks down dealing with stop work orders and demo court properties. In this show, Zack provides tremendous insights on how to search for and understand violations to give you an edge over your competition!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Zack Limbaugh, The Limbaugh Law Firm

Link: A People's History of the United States (Book Recommendation)

Link: SUCI Ep 79 - Gary Davidson (Castle Law)

Guest Questions

02:04 Housing Provider Tip - Write down and stick to your tenant screening criteria!

04:05 Intro to our guest, Zack Limbaugh!

10:20 Starting off as an Attorney specializing in Chicago Building Violations!

16:53 Discovering and assessing Building Code Violations.