Straight Up Chicago Investor

Latest Episodes:

Episode 323: Leveraging a W2 to Grow a Chicago Portfolio and Brokerage with Horacio Tristan Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Horacio Tristan is a born and raised Chicagoan and full-time government employee who has built an impressive real estate portfolio and brokerage business!

Horacio starts by discussing his upbringing and his first few real estate deals on Chicago's South Side. He explains how he built and maintained his real estate brokerage business during the housing crash. Horacio shares his geographic areas of focus and numbers-driven investment strategy. He discusses being an efficient real estate broker and how that has allowed him to succeed in brokerage while having a W2 job. In classic SUCI fashion, Horacio closes with 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!

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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: Horacio Tristan, Kale Realty

Link: Horacio's LinkedIn

Link: SUCI Ep 311 - Alex Filin

Link: The Four Agreements (Book Recommendation)

Link: Nick Patterson (Network Referral)

Guest Questions

03:00 Housing Provider Tip - Be aware of the Chicago Heat Ordinance as a Housing Provider.

04:10 Intro to our guest, Horacio Tristan!

08:40 Horacio's first few deals.

17:28 Navigating the Housing Crash.

28:40 Dealing with a distressed condo building.

31:47 Horacio's investing strategy today!

38:00 Being a successful broker with a W2 job.

40:30 What's next for Horacio?

44:58 The future of Chicago!

46:45 What is your competitive advantage?

47:25 One piece of advice for new investors.

47:50 What do you do for fun?

48:06 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

48:30 Local Network Recommendation?

48:37 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 322: FHA Financing vs 5% Down; Pros and Cons For Each Option With Perry Farella Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

What type of financing are investors utilizing to get deals done and what are the pros and cons of each option?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guests: Perry Farella, First Community Mortgage

Link: How 2 Fund Renovation Blog

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 321: Flipping, Short-Term Rentals, & Helping Veterans Secure Housing with Kirby Atwell Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Kirby Atwell is a former US Army Officer turned real estate investor and podcast host with a focus on short-term rentals!

Kirby starts with his experience in the military and jumping into real estate shortly after reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"! With over 100 renovated properties under his belt, he shares great insights on small and large flips including pros and cons of both options. Kirby discusses the midwest markets that he focuses on to maximize cash flow and how experimenting with a basement short-term rental led him to change his focus to STRs! He sprinkles in some STR horror stories and closes with a bullish take on owning vacation rentals in Michigan City.

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: Kirby Atwell, Living Off Rentals

Link: Living Off Rentals Podcast

Link: Best Fit Homes (Network Referral)

Link: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions

01:40 Housing Provider Tip - Take the CIC property management class!

03:56 Intro to our guest, Kirby Atwell!

11:04 Kirby's first couple properties!

15:27 Kirby's return to Chicago after the military!

19:22 Comparing small vs large flips.

26:12 Getting aggressive on acquisition.

32:34 Building a cash flow for financial freedom!

38:09 Experimenting with Short Term Rentals.

45:52 STR horror stories!

50:40 Deal flow in Michigan City.

56:28 Starting a podcast.

59:00 What is your competitive advantage?

60:07 One piece of advice for new investors.

61:06 What do you do for fun?

62:40 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

63:40 Local Network Recommendation?

64:31 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 320: The Godfather of Chicago Property Management, Taft West Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Taft West is the Vice President of Technical Assistance and Sustainability for the Chicago Community Loan Fund and is a renown property management instructor!

Taft starts by sharing his background which includes some autopsy experience! He talks about starting in Chicago real estate, managing condominiums, and public housing in the late 1970s. Taft discusses the differences in leasing now compared to 40 years ago! He drops golden nuggets on the biggest mistakes landlords make and screen out bad tenants. Taft closes with powerful words on doing good work for your community to make a difference!

Celebrate Taft: Are you one of the many owners who took one of Taft's classes? You can express your gratitude to Taft in-person on October 17th. He is being recognized by the Law Center for Better Housing for his work educating tenants and landlords about how to work together to build community. Learn more and celebrate Taft here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lawcenterforbetterhousing/event/2024lcbhfallbenefit/

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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: Taft West & Jared Kott, Chicago Community Loan Fund & Marblestone Property Group

Link: Unacknowledged (Book Recommendation)

Link: SUCI Ep 284 - Jared Kott

Link: SUCI Ep 94 - Stacie Young (CIC)

Guest Questions

01:45 Intro to our guest, Taft West and Jared Kott!

03:33 Taft's backstory!

19:01 Taft's transition into property management.

28:00 Leasing apartments back in the 1970s!

37:23 How Taft started working with CIC!

45:03 Biggest mistake landlords make.

54:52 Building a Community!

61:30 What is your competitive advantage?

62:50 One piece of advice for new investors.

63:46 What do you do for fun?

66:22 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

67:24 Local Network Recommendation?

68:21 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 319: Great Tips on How To Manage Your Contractors Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

What Should Investors Do To Ensure a Successful Rehab?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guests: Jonathan Klemm, Quality Builders

Link: Episode 76: Big Business Processes Make a Powerful Small Business with Jonathan Klemm

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 318: How to 4X Your Real Estate Business with Michael Valente Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Michael Valente is the founder and CEO of Renovation Sells Franchising; general contracting experts that focus on cosmetic renovations of pre-market homes to maximize sales price!

Michael shares how he left his corporate job and began working for his mentor to learn the ropes of general contracting and renovation! He talks about starting his own general contracting business and the biggest lessons learned as he grew his business. He breaks down the genesis of Renovation Sells; his general contracting company that focuses on cosmetic renovations of pre-market homes so sellers can get top dollar! Michael dives into how he franchised his business and the most critical considerations in this process. Throughout the show, Michael emphasizes the importance of networking and largely attributes that to his 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: Michael Valente, Renovation Sells

Link: Joel Schaub (Lender)

Link: Faruk Daudbasic (Lender)

Guest Questions

02:12 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure your units are priced correctly to find a renter before the end of leasing season.

04:30 Intro to our guest, Michael Valente!

09:02 Getting a General Contracting business off the ground!

15:38 Leaving a mentor to start your own business.

21:11 The idea of franchising a business.

30:01 How the franchise model works.

37:44 Biggest mistakes Michael made scaling his business.

43:08 Michael's pre-COVID Pilsen building!

46:37 Goals for the Renovation Sells franchise!

49:16 Top networking tips!

51:53 What is your competitive advantage?

52:41 One piece of advice for new investors.

53:10 What do you do for fun?

53:23 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

54:32 Local Network Recommendation?

55:48 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 317: Kevin Dugan Does It From 2,000 Miles Away… What Excuse Do You Have? Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Kevin Dugan is the Managing Principal of Altus Investment Group. He runs multiple businesses that successfully operate in Chicago while managing them remotely from Los Angeles!

Kevin starts by talking about the skills he gained working on oil rigs and as a sales engineer and how that translated to real estate! He breaks down his first flip in South Shore and the process of managing that project from Los Angeles! Kevin dives deep into the challenges of managing rentals and growing a business remotely. He emphasizes hiring good people and building a construction arm as critical pieces for a thriving REI investment company. Throughout the episode, Kevin shares his firm belief in cultivating the "Who, Not How" mentality and building a great team!

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 Dugan, Altus Investment Group

Link: Kevin's Instagram

Link: Eric Workman (Network Referral)

Link: Buy Back Your Time (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions

02:37 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure your apartments are turned over to a nice condition especially on higher priced units.

04:04 Intro to our guest, Kevin Dugan!

10:04 Starting with a South Shore flip and managing it from California!

14:28 Transitioning to investments in the south suburbs.

22:04 Obtaining financing for stabilized rental properties.

27:04 The process and mindset for starting a business!

33:44 Struggles with managing rentals from out of state.

38:00 How to grow a business remotely.

47:55 One decision that Kevin would change in his trajectory.

53:54 What is your competitive advantage?

54:13 One piece of advice for new investors.

54:29 What do you do for fun?

54:43 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

55:13 Local Network Recommendation?

56:04 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 316: 3 Features That Increase Your Insurance Premium and 3 Features That May Decrease Your Insurance Premium Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

What Are 3 Features That Increase Your Insurance Premium and 3 Features That May Decrease Your Insurance Premium?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guests: Josh Steigelmann, State Farm Insurance

Link: Investor Stories Featuring Sean Morrissey

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 315: Streeterville High-Rise Developments and Top Tier Leasing Tips with Domu Founder Noah Schatz Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Noah Schatz is the founder of Domu and CEO of Schatz Development. He has vast experience in design-driven developments in downtown Chicago and leasing apartments for operators through his apartment searching platform Domu.

Noah kicks things off by talking about his first development and land banking! He provides insights on the 600 N Fairbanks development; a luxury high-rise condominium tower in Streeterville. Noah shares the process of working with Helmut Jahn, a world-renowned architect who designed 600 N Fairbanks. Noah dives into the benefits of his apartment searching platform Domu and provides tremendous tips on rental listings to get units leased fast! To conclude the episode, Noah shares an optimistic outlook on the Windy 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: Noah Schatz, Domu Chicago Apartments

Link: Andrew Porter (Network Recommendation)

Link: 600 N Fairbanks Condo Development

Link: The Peter Attia Drive Podcast

Guest Questions

02:12 Housing Provider Tip - Adjust rental prices during the end of leasing season to minimize vacancy.

03:22 Intro to our guest, Noah Schatz!

08:38 Noah's first development and land banking!

16:24 The value of architecture and design in development.

26:17 Pre-crash market and inception of Domu!

32:50 Benefits of Domu over other platforms.

35:45 Top leasing tips!

49:06 Noah's outlook on Chicago.

51:15 What is your competitive advantage?

52:50 One piece of advice for new investors.

53:39 What do you do for fun?

54:15 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

55:13 Local Network Recommendation?

56:04 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 314: Due Diligence for Off-Market Properties Like You've Never Seen with Morgan Basham Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Morgan Basham is a real estate broker and investor with vast experience in off-market prospecting, acquisitions, and stabilization of investment properties!

Morgan shares her start in real estate and the ins and outs of investing in Braidwood, IL! She breaks down her first deal in Chicago; an impressive story of tremendous due diligence as part of the acquisition of an auction property! Morgan, Mark, and Tom discuss the mindset required to take the leap of faith and dive into real estate full-time. Morgan closes with golden nuggets on frugality hacks to save for your next investment and improve finances in general!

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: Morgan Basham, Kale Realty

Link: Morgan's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 188 - Forewarn

Link: Zach Karp (Lender Referral)

Link: The Four Agreements (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions

01:59 Housing Provider Tip - Take final walkthroughs seriously and know what to look for.

03:53 Intro to our guest, Morgan Basham!

10:48 Morgan's start in real estate!