Straight Up Chicago Investor

Latest Episodes:

Episode 274: Leveraging AI to Optimize Real Estate Underwriting with Chicago's Marc Rutzen Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Marc Rutzen is an experienced investor with over 12 years of real estate and technology experience. He joins the guys to explain the power of knowing your rental comps and how HelloData can help accelerate that knowledge.

Marc discusses his start in market analysis along with the creation of his analytics startup which he sold in 2019. He breaks down the creation and value proposition of HelloData. He explains how HelloData is able to efficiently gather and scrub data to quantify the value of real estate. To close the show, Marc provides us his outlook on technology in general and 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: Marc Rutzen, HelloData

Link: SUCI Ep 68 - Lee Kiser

Link: The Lean Startup (Book Recommendation)

Link: TLDR in Tech Newsletter

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Guest Questions

02:36 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure you're up to date on the new Security Deposit laws.

04:21 Intro to our guest, Marc Rutzen.

07:53 Marc's start in market analysis.

17:10 Horror stories of starting and selling a business!

19:37 The creation of HelloData!

23:49 HelloData's targeted end clients.

29:18 HelloData's value proposition to investors.

39:33 Marc's outlook on technology!

45:05 Marc's outlook on the Chicago Real Estate Market!

46:32 What is Marc's competitive advantage?

47:07 One piece of advice for new investors.

47:47 What do you do for fun?

48:17 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

49:22 Local Network Recommendation?

50:05 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 273: How To Leverage an Escalation Clause to Win Deals Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

What is an escalation clause and how can investors utilize it?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Sarita Scherpereel, Sarita Sells

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 272: Procuring Over 700 Off-Market Properties with Ben Allgeyer Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Ben Allgeyer has flipped over 200 properties and wholesaled over 500 properties!

Ben talks about his brief stint in corporate America before leaving to pursue a career in Real Estate. He discusses the early days of making cold calls and door knocking for lead generation. Ben dives into building a team and vetting candidates for potential partnerships. He touches on his team's disposition strategy and the importance of protecting relationships with partners. Throughout the show, Ben emphasizes how critical it is to put in the work and master your craft to obtain success in real estate and in any other 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: Ben Allgeyer, Elite Ventures | Ben's Instagram (@BenAllgeyer)

Link: Mindvalley

Link: Tim Herriage (@TimHerriage on Instagram)

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Guest Questions

03:23 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure you are using the new Chicago lease!

03:49 Intro to our guest, Ben Allgeyer!

12:43 Ben's jump into real estate!

17:20 How to find leads.

22:15 Ben's deals gone wrong!

25:18 Hiring to build a team.

30:17 Top lists for landing leads!

32:41 Ben's disposition strategy.

36:11 Vetting potential partnerships!

39:17 Capital partners to grow a business.

43:00 How to find businesses to purchase.

46:02 Ben's lead generation course!

47:58 What is Ben's competitive advantage?

48:32 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:03 What do you do for fun?

49:21 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:06 Local Network Recommendation?

50:38 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 271: Exploring Some of Chicago's Premier Neighborhoods with Vik Wadhwa Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

Vik Wadhwa is a top producing real estate broker with a focus on architecture and modern design in Chicago's Premier Neighborhoods!

Vik shares his start in real estate back in 2006 and how he's been able to grow his business to become a top producing broker. Vik gets granular on Lincoln Park; defining the boundaries, desirable blocks, and investment opportunities in the neighborhood. He provides insight on West Town including the differences between the different pockets of sub-neighborhoods. The West Loop and reassessed property tax bills are also discussed. In this episode, Vik demonstrates his deep knowledge of the neighborhoods he works and emphasizes the importance of knowing your craft 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: Vik Wadhwa, Modern Homes Chicago

Link: Katmerka Ramic (Network Referral)

Link: Eric Flanagan (Network Referral)

Link: Atomic Habits (Book Recommendation)

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Guest Questions

02:36 Housing Provider Tip - Ensure that communication with tenants is kept professional!

04:10 Intro to our guest, Vik Wadhwa!

07:44 Changing to Real Estate as a Career Path!

11:44 The 101 of Lincoln Park!

19:37 Getting listings in Lincoln Park and other higher price point areas.

21:26 Breaking down West Town!

24:47 Pricing across West Town.

28:00 The Rise of the West Loop!

30:33 Opportunities west of the United Center.

35:55 Forecasting Reassessed Property Values and Tax Bill.

38:05 The Real Estate Brokerage Industry and Potential Changes!

40:58 Vik's outlook on Chicago!

43:14 What is Vik's competitive advantage?

43:44 One piece of advice for new investors.

44:10 What do you do for fun?

44:31 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

44:55 Local Network Recommendation?

45:26 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 270: It's 2024 And Your Chicago Property is Being Reassessed Again! Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

What do investors need to be aware of with the 2024 property tax reassessments?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Andrea Raila, Raila & Associates

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 269: Tax Auctions, Break-Ins, and More with Daniel Kaufman Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Daniel Kaufman is an attorney with over a decade of vast experience representing real estate developers with transactions, as well as litigation, with a lot of practice involving the foreclosure auction! Daniel is also an investor who purchases at the tax auction for himself, using the assistance of another attorney who specializes in that specific legal work.

Daniel kicks things off by discussing his start in real estate where he served as attorney on tax auction properties! He shares a great story on his first deal which was a 3-flat in the United Center neighborhood. He dives deep on working with the City during renovations and tells us about his current single family home deconversion. Daniel drops great nuggets on sourcing deals and grinding to learn your market to give you a competitive edge!

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: Daniel Kaufman, D. Kaufman Law

Link: Outliers (Book Recommendation)

Link: The Compound (Podcast Recommendation)

Link: James Sheehan (Network Referral)

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Guest Questions

03:31 Housing Provider Tip: Routinely check your vacant properties even if vacancy is temporary.

04:19 Intro to our guest, Daniel Kaufman!

07:11 Starting off in real estate with tax auction properties!

11:05 Bank-owned properties and Daniel's United Center 3-flat story!

19:07 Tax auction properties.

23:28 Daniel's next project in the United Center neighborhood!

25:50 Obtaining plans and permits and working with the City.

31:27 Sourcing deals.

35:02 Daniel's SFH deconversion!

41:49 Daniel's outlook on Chicago Real Estate.

47:27 What is Daniel's competitive advantage?

47:51 One piece of advice for new investors.

48:29 What do you do for fun?

48:50 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

51:09 Local Network Recommendation?

51:26 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 268: Five Bold Predictions For Chicago Real Estate in 2024 with Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon, leaders of The Axon Group, return to provide Five Bold Predictions on the 2024 Real Estate Market!

We kick things off with a hot topic; what will interest rates do in 2024?! Jake and Mike weigh in on the asset class and neighborhoods positioned for big time growth in 2024. For turn-key, low maintenance investments, the group discusses areas with great opportunities for condo investments. Lastly, Jake and Mike discuss where cap rates are headed and sectors of commercial real estate that may be in trouble. As usual, Jake and Mike bring tremendous value and insights to give Chicago Investors a competitive edge!

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: Jake Fugman & Mike Scanlon of The Axon Group

Link: SUCI Episode 200: Which Chicago Neighborhoods are Hot and Which are Not?

Link: Episode 138: Straight Up Tues Tip 28 - Mike Scanlon Talks Through How He Sourced an Off Market Househack Deal

Link: The Bank On Yourself Revolution (Book Recommendation)

Link: Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate (Book Recommendation)

Link: Aparicio Law (Attorney Recommendation)

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Guest Questions

02:33 Housing Provider Tip: Provide tenants with a credit reporting service to help them build their credit.

03:22 Intro to our guests, Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon.

07:03 Bold Prediction #1: Interest Rates in 2024!

15:09 Bold Prediction #2: Asset class to appreciate at least 10% in value!

21:25 Bold Prediction #3: Neighborhoods positioned to boom in value!

28:07 Bold Prediction #4: Future of downtown condo prices!

37:18 Bold Prediction #5: Where are multifamily cap rates heading?

51:46 Jake's and Mike's motivation to be thought-leaders in Chicago REI!

55:37 What is Jake's and Mike's competitive advantage?

57:23 One piece of advice for new investors.

59:10 What do you do for fun?

62:20 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

63:51 Local Network Recommendation?

65:28 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 267: The Ins-And-Outs of Cost Segregation Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

What do investors need to know regarding cost segregation?

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Brenten Blakeman, Tanigble Property Tax Methods

Link: Build Your Team

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 266: Reviewing The "Bring Chicago Home" Tax and Its Implications to Housing Providers with Mike Glasser Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

We welcome Mike Glasser back to inform us on the "Mansion" Tax and other Housing Provider legislative topics!

Mike dives right in by explaining the proposed "Bring Chicago Home" Ordinance (a.k.a. "Mansion" Tax) and its impact on Chicago's economy. He explains the intent of the proposed ordinance and reasoning for why it will end up negatively impacting not only the "rich", but also Housing Providers, Tenants, and normal Property Owners. Housing Providers will need to increase revenue which primarily comes through rental income to offset increased operating costs that they cannot control. As usual, Mike brings tremendous value and advocacy for Chicago Housing Providers on today's show.

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: Mike Glasser, Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance (NBOA)

Link: NBOA Affiliates Page

Link: Michael Zink (Network Referral)

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Guest Questions

02:35 Housing Provider Tip: Be prepared with a checklist when starting ownership or management of a new property.

05:00 Intro to our guest, Mike Glasser.

10:23 Mansion Tax and other upcoming challenges for Housing Providers.

32:20 What can Housing Providers do to prevent the Mansion Tax?

34:34 Evanston's Landlord and Tenant Ordinance.

41:14 Mike's advice on how to get involved in Housing Provider Advocacy!

45:21 What is Mike's competitive advantage?

46:09 One piece of advice for new investors.

47:27 What do you do for fun?

47:44 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

48:40 Local Network Recommendation?

49:41 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Episode 265: An In-Depth Inspection of Chicago Buildings with George Meegan and Dean Cushing Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

George Meegan and Dean Cushing join us to share insights from several decades of experience in the building systems and inspection industry!

The duo jumps right in by discussing their start in the inspection industry and giving us some inspection horror stories. George and Dean get granular on common issues with major building systems including plumbing, heating/cooling, roofs, and windows. They explain how property owners can leverage property assessments from experienced professionals not only at the time of purchase, but also during other phases of ownership. George and Dean demonstrate their vast knowledge on building systems and give valuable tips for property owners throughout the show!

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 Meegan & Dean Cushing | Call George: 773-716-3560

Link: Eat That Frog! (Book Recommendation)

Link: Domicile Consulting (Network Referral)

Link: SUCI Ep 101 - Jason Marcordes

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Guest Questions

02:41 Housing Provider Tip: Remove unused cables attached to exterior walls to prevent future issues!

03:42 Intro to our guest, George and Dean!

08:34 Inspection Horror Stories