Straight Up Chicago Investor

Latest Episodes:

Episode 332: From Slangin' Windows To Building Chicago 6 Flats in 10 Year with Joey Halperin Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Joey Halperin is a real estate broker and developer with vast experience in ground up development and renovation projects across Chicago!

Joey starts by explaining how he left the corporate world to jump into general contracting and real estate brokerage! He gets granular on difficult renovation projects and the importance of having skilled contractors to help assess and mitigate risk. Joey discusses how he's finding deal flow in this tough market and explains how understanding Zoning can be a cheat code. He closes with a bullish outlook on Lincoln Square and other "path of progress" neighborhoods!

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: Joey Halperin, Halperin & Schatz Real Estate Group

Link: Joey's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 236 - Alex Morsch

Link: Alex Bok (Network Referral)

Guest Questions

01:39 Housing Provider Tip - Prepare your tenants for issues that may arise during the winter season!

03:50 Intro to our guest, Joey Halperin!

11:55 Joey's start in real estate development.

19:24 Getting into residential real estate brokerage.

23:33 Joey's investment portfolio and neighborhoods of interest.

27:11 Taking on tough rehab projects.

33:10 Finding deal flow in this competitive market.

40:05 Neighborhoods that Joey is bullish on!

48:54 What is your competitive advantage?

49:37 One piece of advice for new investors.

50:35 What do you do for fun?

51:27 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

52:31 Local Network Recommendation?

53:44 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 331: These Neighborhoods Have the Most Potential for Chicago Investors Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Which South Side neighborhoods have been the biggest surprise and which neighborhoods have the most potential?

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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: Aaron Sklar, Kiser Group

Link: Episode 141: Straight Up Tues Tip 29 - Noah Birk and Aaron Sklar Sit Down to Explain How Investors New To The Multifamily Space Can Catch A Broker's Eye

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 330: Condo Conversions, Building Violations, and How to Stay Compliant with the New CTA with James Erwin Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

James Erwin has decades of experience practicing Real Estate Law and is a board member of the NSBC!

James starts by breaking down the legal ins and outs for condo deconversions. He dives deep on the process for clearing building violations on properties including tips to keep the City and lenders happy. James explains the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and everything that must be disclosed in order to stay compliant. Throughout the show, James displays his deep knowledge of real estate law and how his firm is providing top notch service to their clients!

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: James Erwin, Erwin Law

Link: FinCEN

Link: James' Contact Info

Link: The 4 Pillars of Critical Thinking (Book Recommendation)

Link: Make Your Bed (Book Recommendation)

Link: NBOA Chicago

Guest Questions

03:15 Housing Provider Tip - Plan your fall cleanups to adjust for an extended summer season.

04:35 Intro to our guest, James Erwin!

09:43 Legal process for condo conversions.

19:17 Attorney's role in acquisition of large portfolios.

24:44 Process of clearing property violations!

35:42 What is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)?

45:06 How to comply with CTA

47:00 What is your competitive advantage?

48:18 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:00 What do you do for fun?

49:09 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

49:45 Local Network Recommendation?

50:36 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 329: From W2 To Investor Overnight… See How This Played Out For Sean Douglas Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Sean Douglas of the Axon Group discusses his adventurous start to his real estate journey!

Sean began his investment career when he inherited his grandparent's home, which after numerous setbacks, he eventually flipped! He breaks down how he jumped into the deep end by doing construction himself. After having a contractor steal $7000 from him, Sean recaps the long days of work that it took to get his flip project to the finish line. Sean also shares details on his 4-unit house hack and considerations when investing in "picky" towns and villages. Throughout the show, Sean demonstrates how his perseverance and discipline have allowed him to get past difficult situations and become a stronger investor and person!

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: Sean Douglas, The Axon Group

Link: A Book of Five Rings (Book Recommendation)

Link: Can't Hurt Me (Book Recommendation)

Link: Kevin Kaspers (Lender Referral)

Link: On Target Home Inspection (Referral)

Link: Aparicio Law (Referral)

Guest Questions

02:19 Housing Provider Tip - Be aware of permit and inspection requirements from municipalities!

04:48 Intro to our guest, Sean Douglas!

09:06 Sean's start in investing.

11:54 Inheriting your grandparent's home.

15:03 Leveraging BiggerPockets to find resources!

21:22 Early (goofy) mistakes and learning construction.

28:29 Disposition of crazy flip project!

32:56 Life post flip project.

40:04 Sean's 4-unit house hack adventure.

49:17 From real estate inspector to broker.

58:23 What is your competitive advantage?

58:53 One piece of advice for new investors.

59:14 What do you do for fun?

59:22 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

60:15 Local Network Recommendation?

60:56 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 328: What to Focus on When Negotiating A Multifamily Transaction Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

What should I focus on in negotiating a multifamily transaction?

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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: Noah Birk, Kiser Group

Link: Kiser Group

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 327: Logan & Humboldt Property Owners' Rights Taken By The New NW Preservation Ordinance with Luke Blahnik Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

Luke Blahnik returns to educate us on the new Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance.

Luke jumps right in by explaining the ins and outs of the expansion of the Predominance of the Block (606) District under this new ordinance. He breaks down the increased fees to demolish a multi-unit building, limitations on building single family homes, and requirements for selling a tenant-occupied building in the area. Luke, Mark, and Tom discuss how the Ordinance will not be able to accomplish the goal of preserving affordable housing and instead could have negative impacts to landlords and tenants. A main takeaway from today's show is to stay involved in housing provider communities and make your voice heard to stop policies that do not help landlords, tenants, and/or the City of Chicago as whole.

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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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: Luke Blahnik, Flora | Blahnik @properties

Link: Flora Blahnik Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 32 - Luke Blahnik's First Episode

Link: Unreasonable Hospitality (Book Recommendation)

Link: Copy of Ordinance

Guest Questions

03:13 Housing Provider Tip - Stay involved in your community so your voice is heard.

04:53 Intro to our guest, Luke Blahnik!

05:27 The "Northwest Preservation Ordinance" Explained.

19:32 Exemptions for the Ordinance.

19:10 Benefits of raising capital and passive investments!

22:40 Groups most impacted by the Ordinance.

36:28 What's next following the implementation of the Ordinance?

39:49 What is your competitive advantage?

40:24 One piece of advice for new investors.

40:42 What do you do for fun?

41:18 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

41:46 Local Network Recommendation?

42:31 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 326: How This Chicago Investor Grew 10x in Just 3 Years with RJ de Leon Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

RJ de Leon returns to the show to tell us about his most recent investments and how he's managing his portfolio remotely as he and his family spend most of the year traveling!

RJ starts by discussing how he and his wife Nicky set up their investments and businesses to be able to manage them remotely and travel the country for months at a time! He gives tips for aspiring entrepreneurs that are planning to embark on a new journey. RJ explains all the benefits and considerations of passive investments and gets granular on analyzing investments. He also provides insights on capital raising and alternative investments beyond real estate that can allow you to work smarter, not harder. Throughout the show, RJ emphasizes the power of networking and being a "go-giver" to create your own luck!

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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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: RJ de Leon, NVR Capital & EJC Partners

Link: RJ's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 43 - RJ and Nicky

Link: The Actionable Mindset (RJ's Podcast)

Link: Chicago Multifamily Club

Link: The Go-Giver (Book Recommendation)

Link: Straight Up Sarita Sells Team

Guest Questions

04:08 Intro to our guest, RJ de Leon!

08:24 Getting into Capital Raising.

17:06 Preparation tips for embarking on a new journey!

19:10 Benefits of raising capital and passive investments!

25:51 The Power of Networking.

28:13 Analyzing a passive investment.

32:27 Accepting capital from investors.

38:18 RJ's next trip and getting educated on alternative investments.

44:44 What is your competitive advantage?

45:13 One piece of advice for new investors.

46:21 What do you do for fun?

47:09 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

47:54 Local Network Recommendation?

48:44 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 325: How Much Does it Cost to Construct an ADU in Chicago? Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

What are the construction costs associated with building out a new ADU unit?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guests: Jonathan Klemm, Quality Builders

Link: SUCI Episode 264: Unlocking Zoning Secrets: Your Guide to Chicago Zoning, ADUs, and Other Essential Information

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 324: How to Combat Squatters and Title Deed Fraud with George McCleary Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

George McCleary is a real estate investor and developer with two decades of experience. He is also the creator of courses that teach investors to protect themselves from Squatters and Deed Fraud!

George starts by discussing his viral "I Stole a House" video which explains how sophisticated squatters are able to steal a property owner's equity. He dives into the top precautionary measures against squatters and shines light on some wild "unconventional methods" to remove squatters. George explains the value that his Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender courses bring to investors. He closes with tips on title monitoring to prevent title fraud and empowering words to help aspiring real estate investors take action!

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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: George McCleary, Defender Networks

Link: George's Instagram

Link: Squatter Defender Course

Link: Title Fraud Defender Course

Link: SUCI Ep 278 - David Greene

Guest Questions

02:22 Housing Provider Tip - Provide excellent service to avoid vacancy as a Landlord!

04:26 Intro to our guest, George McCleary!

09:53 The "I Stole a House" Video!

12:38 Best precautionary measures against squatters.

17:46 Squatter "Unconventional Methods".

24:00 Emerging Landlord-Friendly Legislation.

29:14 George's Squatter Defender Program!

31:06 In and Outs of Deed Fraud.

38:45 How to prevent Title Fraud?

48:22 What is your competitive advantage?

49:00 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:55 What do you do for fun?

50:25 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

51:00 Local Network Recommendation?

51:39 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

PW Cabinetry Grand Opening Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Join us for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting clebration of Pentwater Cabinetry's newly renovated showroom! On September 25th at 4pm, we cut the ribbon on the future for Pentwater Cabinetry and their ability to fill your cabinet needs. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the event!

When: September 25th at 4pm

Where: 920 N Lombard Road, Lombard, IL 60148

Call: 630-487-5811

Visit: Pentwater Cabinetry

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Production House: Flint Stone Media