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Kevin Werner, co-founder and CEO of Renovo Financial, shares the inside story of building one of Chicago’s leading private lending firms for real estate investors. From starting out as a residential loan officer to raising hundreds of millions for value-add residential projects, Kevin walks us through the mindset, relationships, and work ethic that built Renovo into a real estate lending powerhouse. Whether you're a Chicago landlord, investor, or property manager, this episode is full of valuable insight into what it takes to scale in the Chicago real estate market.
From relationships to resilience, Kevin Werner’s journey offers a blueprint for what makes a lender trustworthy and strategic for both new and experienced Chicago real estate investors.
Questions We Will Answer in This Episode
Q: How can Chicago real estate investors build lasting lender relationships?
A: Kevin emphasizes the power of consistency, honesty, and shared goals. Treat your lender as a business partner, not just a transaction. Overcommunicate, close deals, and always show your track record.
Q: What’s the difference between working with a hard money lender and Renovo?
A: Hard money lenders are typically short-term, asset-based, and inflexible. Renovo takes a relationship-based approach—underwriting the borrower as much as the asset, offering flexible terms and long-term partnerships.
Q: How can a new Chicago landlord get approved for a real estate investment loan?
A: Start with a manageable project, show your plan, and focus on execution. Kevin suggests proving your ability to buy right, improve value, and manage well—then scale responsibly.
Q: What should investors look for in a private lender in Chicago?
A: Look for local knowledge, responsiveness, flexibility, and a partner mindset. Avoid lenders who treat you like a number. Kevin believes in guiding clients through the whole project—not just providing capital.
Q: How can Chicago landlords leverage BRRRR with a lender like Renovo?
A: Renovo supports BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategies by funding both the acquisition and rehab phases and setting up clear exits into long-term loans.
Q: What advice does Kevin have for property managers who want to scale portfolios?
A: Build operational excellence. Use strong systems, set high standards for tenant care, and document everything. Growth without systems becomes chaos.
Q: Why does Kevin believe Chicago is still one of the best places to invest?
A: Chicago’s density, infrastructure, diverse neighborhoods, and real estate cycles offer consistent opportunity. Kevin believes there are always deals in Chicago for investors who do their homework.
Q: What mindset is essential for real estate success in Chicago?
A: Grit and long-term thinking. Kevin shares that surviving market shifts, tenant challenges, and project hiccups comes down to staying the course and improving with every deal.
Q: Can investors with limited experience still work with Renovo?
A: Yes—especially if they bring strong partners or solid plans. Kevin’s team evaluates the whole story: the deal, the borrower, and the exit.
Q: How do lenders view Chicago’s property management companies?
A: Lenders like Renovo want to see professional management, maintenance systems, and good tenant communication. A strong property manager improves asset performance and lender confidence.
Show Notes
00:45 – Kevin’s background and entry into lending in Chicago
03:15 – The origins of Renovo Financial
06:30 – How Kevin scaled Renovo through relationships and results
10:22 – The difference between hard money and private lending
13:40 – Why Kevin believes in betting on the borrower
16:05 – Challenges in building a lending company from scratch
19:30 – Renovo’s approach to borrower education and support
22:55 – Working with repeat investors and long-term partners
26:10 – Advice for new Chicago investors looking for financing
30:15 – The importance of trust and reputation in lending
34:20 – Why Chicago’s real estate landscape remains strong
38:00 – Lessons learned from past lending mistakes
42:45 – Tips for landlords working on BRRRR strategies
46:30 – Renovo’s lending process explained
49:50 – Final thoughts: the power of grit in real estate investing
Takeaways for Chicago Property Managers and Landlords
- Treat your lender like a long-term partner, not a one-time service
- Consistent communication and performance builds financing trust
- Chicago remains a high-potential market for investors with a plan
- Private lending offers flexibility that traditional banks often lack
- A great property manager improves asset performance and lender confidence
- BRRRR strategies work well with private lenders who understand the full investment cycle
- Relationships are the real currency of Chicago real estate
- Document your deals and build a track record for future scaling
- Local lenders like Renovo offer deeper market knowledge and faster decision-making
- Smart growth beats fast growth. Scale with systems and discipline
Guest Info
Name: Kevin Werner
Company: Renovo Financial
Website: https://renovofinancial.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-werner-5313206/
Because finding good tenants and property management shouldn’t feel like online dating.
Dear Investor,
If you are an investor in either the city or suburbs of Chicago, I would love to speak with you about how we can help you on your real estate journey. At GC Realty & Development LLC, we help hundreds of Chicagoland real estate owners and brokers each year manage their assets with both full service property management and tenant placement services.
We understand that every investor’s goals are unique, and we love learning about each client’s individual needs. If there is an opportunity to help you buy back your time by managing your rental property or finding quality tenants, please check us out.
Best Investing,
Founder, Partner, Podcast Co-Host, and Investor
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