CHICAGO'S #1 REAL ESTATE INVESTING PODCAST

Unlock the Power of Life Insurance: A Guide for Real Estate InvestorsOn this episode of the Straight Up Chicago Investor podcast, Mark and Tom are joined by Nick Chaplain, an expert in leveraging life insurance to build wealth through real estate investing. Nick shares how investors can use permanent life insurance policies as a source of tax-advantaged capital to fund down payments, pay off mortgages, and finance other real estate oppo...

When a reporter contacts you about your building, it's an opportunity to showcase your brand and build a positive public image. Here's a guide on how to handle such a situation effectively.1. Be Prepared and ResponsiveReporters work on tight deadlines. If they've reached out to you, it means they consider your input valuable. Respond promptly, even if it's just to acknowledge receipt and promise a follow-up.2. Understand...

Our latest podcast episode features Ben Sussman, a real estate investor who has acquired 12 investment properties before the age of 30. While building a real estate portfolio at a young age may sound glamorous, Ben gave us a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges he has faced and the hard-won lessons he has learned along the way.Ben got into real estate investing because he was attracted to the cash flow and tax benefits. He started by ...

When you own a rental property, you are taking on a certain amount of risk. If something goes wrong, such as a tenant getting injured on your property, you could be held liable. This could mean losing your property, your savings, and even your home.One way to protect yourself from this risk is to move your rental property to an LLC. An LLC is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that if som...

Welcome to Episode 200 of our Chicago Real Estate Podcast! In this milestone episode, we've got an incredible panel discussion with Matt Feo, Jake Fugman, and Blake McCreight. Our experts will take you through a journey of Chicago's hottest real estate markets and give you insider knowledge on which neighborhoods are set to double in value.We know that the real estate market can be unpredictable, but our panel will help you stay...

If you're a Chicagoan, then you've probably heard about the massive Lincoln Yards development project, which is set to transform the North Branch of the Chicago River. The 53-acre mixed-use community development by Sterling Bay has been the talk of the town for a while now.In this podcast episode, Matt Menna, the Managing Principal of Sterling Bay, joins the discussion to shed more light on the project. Matt starts by ...

Tax planning is a crucial aspect of real estate investing that can significantly impact your bottom line. To provide insight into optimal tax planning, Michael Procaccio, a tax advisor and Chicagoland investor, joins this podcast episode.Michael begins by discussing his accounting career and how he became involved in investing in franchises. He then goes on to explain the latest changes to the tax code that investors can take advantage ...

Tax season can often be a stressful time for many individuals, but with the right planning and advice, it can also be a time to increase your bottom line. This is where Michael Procaccio, a tax advisor and Chicagoland investor, comes in to provide his insightful expertise on optimal tax planning.In this full episode video, Michael delves deep into the world of tax planning and highlights the different strategies individuals can use to m...

Multifamily property underwriting can be a complex process with many factors to consider. As an underwriter, it's important to be aware of common mistakes that can lead to inaccurate valuations or inefficient use of time and resources. Here are four mistakes to avoid when underwriting multifamily properties:1. Relying too heavily on historical data2. Overlooking physical and operational risks3. Ignoring environmental factors4. Under...

Are you considering buying a multifamily building without physically seeing it? John Warren’s experience with his purchase and gut renovation in Cicero can give you an insight into what to expect.Underwriting and estimating rehab costs are the very first steps in making an offer. John Warren shares that it’s important to factor in the potential costs and risks involved in such a purchase. Once the purchase is made, a Cicero ...