Straight Up Chicago Investor

On today's episode, our guest Tom Benedetto explains how the Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA) is a strong voice in the fight for fair and lawful protection of Housing Providers across Chicagoland. Tom shares CAA's mission statement, the issues they are currently tackling, and the biggest challenges in the push for advocacy. Lastly, Tom closes with the goals that CAA has for the near future and how investors can get involved to support the fight. Listen in and if you find value in today's episode, please leave us a 5-star review and recommend us to a friend! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Tom Benedetto, Chicagoland Apartment Association Link: Freakonomics Podcast - Why Rent Control Doesn't Work Link: Shape Illinois - Supporting Housing Affordability, Progress, and Equality Link: The On-The-Way Delivery Platform | Roadie, A UPS Company Sponsors: Kiser Group and ClickInvest ----------------- Guest Questions 03:16 House Provider Tip: Setup keys or electronic access for maintenance purposes to avoid unnecessary trips to your property. 06:30 What is the CAA? 08:04 What does CAA do for investors? 09:43 At which point does it make sense for an investor to become a member of CAA? 10:44 What makes you passionate about this work? 12:39 What issues does CAA advocate for and take a lead on? 14:06 How does CAA work alongside other real estate advocacy organizations? 18:39 How do the recently passed Rent Control Referendums in the Twin Cities impact CAA's work? 19:49 What is Rent Control and what are the real reasons investors are against it? 21:38 What are the main topics/issues that CAA is currently focusing on? 23:15 How is CAA effectively communicating with busy legislators to ensure they are being heard? 24:51 What are the biggest challenges that CAA faces during their daily work? 26:40 What other resources does CAA have that investors could use for education? 28:40 What would Tom like to see CAA accomplish 5 years from now? Wrap Up Questions 31:04 What has been your competitive advantage? 31:50 One piece of advice for new investors. 32:29 What do you do for fun? 33:30 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 34:37 Local Network Recommendation? 35:25 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for tuning in! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Wondering if it's time to jump into the Chicago Real Estate Market? Brie Schmidt provides a recap of the 2021 market and dives into the current trends and expectations for 2022. Brie explains how low inventory has impacted the market and how buyers have had to readjust their expectations. She also discusses lending challenges on properties in her area of expertise, Chicago's North Side. Brie drops street-level knowledge on neighborhoods and how buyers in different life stages are choosing where to invest. 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: Brie Schmidt of Second City Real Estate Link: Getting Things Done (Book Recommendation) Sponsors: Kiser Group and Pentwater Cabinetry. ----------------- Guest Questions 00:58 Negotiation tips to facilitate your transactions. 04:17 House Provider Tip: Choose a discreet location for your lockboxes to avoid break-ins! 06:50 What was the most surprising part of 2021? 09:30 How have buyers been reacting to the lack of inventory and how is inventory today? 12:20 How is Brie handling buyers and helping them purchase investment properties during a hot seller's market? 18:28 What is the common dilemma buyers wrestle with in this seller's market and what's an alternative perspective they can take? 21:00 How is the conversation on a purchase different when comparing house hackers to straight up investors? 23:10 How have lending and rates changed during this hot market and the pandemic? What have been some of the challenges? 27:17 What neighborhoods saw the largest growth in 2021? 30:30 How have some fringe neighborhoods changed over recent years? How do buyers reset their tenant expectations in these areas? 34:38 Considerations investors should have when analyzing buildings with deferred CapEx and maintenance. 36:26 What are Brie's thoughts on the City's issues with taxes, pensions, and crime? 43:42 Other perspective changes buyers can/should make in today's market? 46:51 What neighborhoods are over-inflated? Wrap Up Questions 48:57 What is Brie's competitive advantage? 49:34 One piece of advice for new investors. 50:27 What do you do for fun? 51:58 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 52:20 Local Network Recommendation? 53:48 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

How are lenders handling ADU requests from investors looking to add a legal unit to an existing property? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Perry Farella of Prime Lending | Perry's Blog ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

World Relief Organization (WRO) Chicagoland is a humanitarian organization whose focus is to aid refugees and immigrant families in finding housing and rebuilding their lives in Chicago. As a Chicagoland housing provider, there is not only good that you can do by partnering with WRO, but you can also benefit from a stream of applicants with specified subsidies. Today WRO's own Susan Sperry and Nathan White talk about the organization's mission, services, challenges with resettling families, and how others can provide value to WRO. It's easy to focus on goals that serve our own needs, but our guests share great ways that investors and landlords can help a bigger cause while sustaining a profitable business. Listen in to learn how WRO is providing tremendous value to refugees and how it may tie into your business goals. Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Susan Sperry and Nathan White of World Relief Organization Chicagoland Link: The Neighbor Project Link: The Lead Stories Podcast Link: Questions on Specific Housing or Opportunities with WRO Link: Questions for Nathan Sponsors: Kiser Group and Pavlovcik Architecture. ----------------- Guest Questions 01:51 House Provider Tip: Submit an FOIA request as part of your due diligence during the buying process. 03:50 Quick background on Susan and Nathan and how they ended up on the podcast. 06:20 Who is the World Relief Organization (WRO) and what is their mission? 08:28 What are the services that WRO provides? 10:21 What large refugee surges have there been in Chicagoland recently and historically? 12:55 How are refugees chosen to resettle in Chicago? 14:48 How can investors and housing providers be of assistance to WRO? 16:15 Why aren't more landlords contacting WRO to fill vacancies and what are the challenges when trying to find housing for refugees? 21:58 Is there any specific type of housing or location that WRO is searching for? 25:10 How is WRO helping refugees with education? 29:12 What are other ways that listeners can provide value to WRO? 31:26 What is the typical housing size that WRO is searching for and how is WRO funded? Wrap Up Questions 32:18 What is the competitive advantage of WRO? 33:07 One piece of advice for anyone looking to work with WRO. 33:40 What do you do for fun? 34:13 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 34:51 Local Network Recommendation? 35:25 How can we learn more about you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

So what happened in the Chicago real estate market in 2021 and where are we headed in 2022? Our guests today, Casey Smagala and Steven Vance both of Chicago Cityscape, are here to share data you won't want to miss. Casey and Steven explain how their data aggregation software allows them to efficiently analyze neighborhoods and identify paths of progress. They present which areas in Chicago with planned developments that they are bullish on, and also provide insight on Additional-Dwelling Units (ADUs) and how the Pilot Program has unfolded since its inception. Casey and Steven close by providing their outlook on Chicago Real Estate and explain how the fundamentals to continuing growing are in place! Tune in to learn how Chicago Cityscape can help you save time and give you a competitive advantage when researching your next project! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Casey Smagala and Steven Vance of Chicago Cityscape Link: Chicago Cityscape Link: Chicago for Chicagoans Link: INVEST South/West Link: City of Chicago :: Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance Sponsors: Pentwater Cabinetry and Pavelchak Architecture ----------------- Guest Questions 02:20 House Provider Tip: Ensure that tenants' holiday decorations are being taken down and cleaned up in a timely manner! 05:20 What is Chicago Cityscape and who uses the software? 06:20 What is the advantage of using Cityscape? 08:15 What areas in Chicago saw the highest increases in sales and development in 2021? 11:15 Were Casey and Steven able to foresee any trends given available data? 12:30 What were the biggest surprises in 2021 after reviewing the data and what are the implications of converting a non-conforming unit into an Additional-Dwelling Unit (ADU)? 18:22 What areas in Chicago still have room to grow? 22:15 What are overlooked data points when trying to find hidden value in properties? 25:18 How did the 5 ADU pilot areas get selected? 28:55 Is Cityscape beneficial to smaller investors or who can benefit from Cityscape? 30:52 Overall, do you see Chicago continuing to trend positively given development data? Wrap Up Questions 36:45 What competitive advantage does Cityscape provide? 37:10 One piece of advice for new investors. 37:36 What do you do for fun? 39:10 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 40:55 Local Network Recommendation? 42:25 How can we learn more about you? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

What is a wholesaler and as an investor why should I care? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Blake McCreight of Express Property Solutions ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

Regardless of which real estate assets you fancy, you are about to experience massive disruption in the upcoming years. That's according to the mad scientist of multifamily and returning guest Neal Bawa (previously on episode 26). Neal drops a fascinating outlook on the retail sector, particularly shopping malls and their post-COVID recovery. He also shares why he believes cap rates will continue to compress, and the drastic effects of tokenization and 3D printing will have on REI. Listen in to get your mind blown and then leave us a review! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Neal Bawa of Grocapitus Link: Grocapitus Website Link: Multifamily University | Free eBook: Location Magic | Join Our Investor Club Link: The World's Largest 3D-Printed Community Is Coming to Texas | Architectural Digest Link: Disruptive Trends with Neal Bawa - Multifamily University Link: Episode 26: Neal Bawa's Thoughts on Chicago, Opportunity Zones, and Current Economic Conditions Link: Lofty AI Sponsors: Appeal.tax and Essex ----------------- Guest Questions 02:38 Use technology and other resources to improve efficiencies and recapture time in your business! 06:35 What are Neal's top disruptive trends in multi-family and his take on retail? 16:03 What is the final reason why most retail malls are not going out of business? 17:22 What is the future for small mixed-use buildings in typical neighborhoods? 20:32 Which sector is Neal focusing on? 22:55 How is the industrial/e-commerce sector projected to grow compared to multi-family? 24:30 How does Neal incorporate interest rate increases when underwriting? Neal debunks the myth of the relationship between cap rates and interest rates. 29:51 What does the future hold as cap rates continue to compress and how do cap rates in the United States compare to other developed economies in the world? 32:49 Will wages keep up with inflation and how this impacts rent increases? 37:20 Will the amount of people renting increase and how home affordability has changed? 38:42 What is tokenization in real estate and which players are leading the charge of tokenization? 49:35 How will 3D printing change real estate investing? Wrap Up Questions 54:18 What is Neal's competitive advantage? 55:09 One piece of advice for new investors. 56:10 What do you do for fun? 57:17 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 57:47 Local Network Recommendation? That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

You know how you see larger developments on major intersections and wonder "who's doing that?" Well the answer is people like today's guest Matt Katsaros. Matt started his real estate career as a top-performing commercial broker at Kise before transitioning to a director of acquisitions at Pangea. Those extraordinary experiences primed him for investing in Chicago and he has found his best returns to be in the development space. Matt provides tremendous insights into the unique due diligence process, and zoning process required for development. In addition he covers how to successfully raise money, structure deals, and handle the current supply chain mayhem. Matt finishes the episode with his thoughts on Chicago's cap rates and why he's anchoring down here. Tune in to learn about extreme scaling that will certainly get you out of your comfort zone. Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Matt Katsaros of Wildwood Investments LLC Link: SUCI's Facebook video showing a post-demo, but before the open web trusses are installed. Link: Real Estate for Breakfast Sponsors: Appeal.tax and Pavlovcik Architecture ----------------- Guest Questions Housing Provide Tip Of The Week 08:15 Transitioning from brokerage to development in Chicago 14:56 Takeaways for your career from working w/Pangea 19:43 How to exponentially grow your real estate portfolio? 24:39 How are you finding deals and raising money? 27:51 What does it take to get a zoning approval in Chicago? 30:58 How have you adjusted your rehab budget with the Covid price increases? 34:37 How do you structure your investors' payouts? 36:47 Real estate partnerships 41:44 Where do you see Chicago cap rates going in the next 12 months, 24 months? 44:46 Wrap Up Questions What is your competitive advantage? 51:48 Advice for a new investor? 52:56 What do you do for fun? 53:46 Self development activity? 54:22 Network recommendation? 55:13 How can we learn more about you? 55:57 That's our show! Thanks for tuning in! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

What closing costs and credits can I expect on my HUD statement? Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Perry Farella of Prime Lending | Perry's Blog ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.

You may have already listened to our househacking from hell episode (Episode 89). Today, we don't have tenants stealing cars or anyone overdosing, but we do have typical obstacles faced with a first-time househack; all compounded with the fact that this project included a gut rehab. Our guest today, Alex Martinez, dove in head first, encountered numerous challenges, and has not only lived to tell about it, but he now owns a wonderful 3-unit building and accumulated more experience than most early investors. Whether you are experienced or just starting out, tune in as Alex candidly talks through his experience from start to finish to learn something new. Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Alejandro Martinez of Century 21 SGR Link: Episode 89: My Tenants Stole My Car; The Chicago House Hack from Hell with Joey Pochinskas Link: Building Permit and Inspection Records: Agreement Sponsors: Appeal.tax and Pavlovcik Architecture ----------------- Guest Questions Housing Provide Tip Of The Week 02:14 Why did I buy my first investment property near the United Center? 05:06 What to look for when buying in a new Chicago neighborhood? 09:00 Understanding the negotiation & due diligence in a Chicago real estate transaction. 10:25 How do you look up City of Chicago building violations for a specific property? 16:49 Best advice when having to get plans and permits in Chicago! 18:40 Breaking down the emotional roller coaster of buying an investment property in Chicago. 22:32 Red flags looking back on my first Chicago rehab. 32:40 Wrap Up Questions Competitive advantage? 40:20 Advice for new investors? 51:10 What do you do for fun? 53:00 Self development recommendations? 53:50 That's our show! Thanks for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2021.