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Author: Mark Ainely | Partner GC Realty & Development & Co-Host Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
Mahmoud Faisal Elkhatib’s journey from chemistry lab to real estate law firm founder is anything but conventional. In this episode of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, Faisal reveals how his immigrant background, early work ethic, and legal hustle helped him become one of the most trusted names for real estate legal services in Chicago. Whether you're a landlord, investor, or property manager, this episode offers invaluable lessons about contract clarity, scaling with legal structure, and why communication is everything.
From lease reviews to investor partnership agreements, Faisal helps Chicago property managers and landlords avoid costly missteps. Learn how he scaled his firm, built trust in a crowded legal space, and earned the nickname “The Bow Tie Attorney.”
Questions We Answer in This Episode
Q: What inspired Faisal to switch from chemistry to law?
A: He realized that law gave him more freedom to impact lives. He was drawn to the problem-solving side and saw an opportunity to help underserved real estate investors and landlords in Chicago.
Q: How can landlords avoid costly legal mistakes in Chicago?
A: Have an attorney review leases, especially in Cook County where laws like the RTLO are strict. Faisal says prevention is cheaper than litigation.
Q: What’s the most common legal issue Faisal sees with Chicago landlords?
A: Misunderstanding or ignoring tenant rights under local laws. From security deposits to move-out procedures, many landlords leave themselves exposed by not following ordinance protocols.
Q: How can property managers use legal tools to scale?
A: Incorporating the right way, using solid vendor contracts, and ensuring tenant communications are documented. These reduce risk and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
Q: Why does Faisal stress clarity in contracts?
A: Ambiguity leads to lawsuits. He explains that even friends or family can end up in court without clear terms around investments, responsibilities, or expectations.
Q: What’s the Bow Tie all about?
A: It started as a branding move to stand out in court and became a signature. Clients began remembering “the bow tie lawyer,” and it built his brand organically.
Q: How should landlords prepare for eviction court in Cook County?
A: Document everything—late notices, lease clauses, communication logs. Judges want to see patterns, not just isolated events.
Q: Can small landlords afford legal help in today’s market?
A: Faisal argues they can’t afford not to. Spending a few hundred on contract review can prevent thousands in losses. Many attorneys offer flat fees for basic services.
Q: What advice does Faisal have for immigrant or first-generation investors?
A: Learn the local laws and build community. Faisal recommends joining local meetups or investment groups and finding professionals who understand your goals.
Q: What’s the best legal advice for someone doing their first BRRRR deal in Chicago?
A: Be sure you understand title issues, contractor agreements, and refinance requirements. One misstep in the rehab phase can derail the whole plan.
Show Notes
00:45 – Chemistry roots and switching paths to law
03:30 – Discovering a calling in real estate law
06:45 – Lease issues and legal risks for Chicago landlords
09:50 – Navigating Cook County's RTLO compliance
13:20 – The bow tie origin and building a recognizable brand
16:05 – Eviction court: documentation and what judges expect
20:10 – Drafting clear partnership agreements to avoid future fallout
24:30 – Legal foundations to scale a rental business
28:40 – Encouragement for immigrant landlords entering the industry
33:00 – When and how to bring in an attorney on a project
36:50 – Client relationship tips that make the legal process smoother
41:10 – Final legal reminders for landlords in Cook County
Takeaways for Chicago Property Managers and Landlords
- Always have leases and contracts reviewed before signing.
- Cook County and Chicago have strict tenant protections—stay compliant.
- Document all communication with tenants to protect against legal claims.
- Legal structure allows you to scale with less risk.
- Partnership agreements prevent disputes—even with friends.
- The earlier you bring in legal help, the more money you save.
- Judges in eviction court value professionalism and documentation.
- Branding matters—even in law. Faisal’s bow tie made him memorable.
- Immigrant landlords can succeed with the right legal and community support.
- BRRRR deals in Chicago require tight contracts and due diligence.
Guest Info
Name: Mahmoud Faisal Elkhatib
Company: EV Has
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mahmoud.faisal.elkhatib
Website:https://www.foreclosuredefenselawoffice.com/
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
