John Preston of Horvath & Tremblay joins us to discuss opportunities in multifamily and mixed-use assets on Chicago's North Side!

John begins by discussing what it takes to build a successful brokerage business including early struggles before hitting his stride! He breaks down his process for reaching out to and converting seller leads and also explains the work brokers do that leads to a successful transaction. In typical SUCI fashion, John gets hyper-specific on neighborhoods that have seen great rent growth and areas where he sees investors putting their money! He closes with a bullish outlook on Chicago and emphasizes the importance of building market knowledge and networking to be successful in the game!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

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Guest: John Preston, Horvath & Tremblay | Email John: [email protected] | Connect with John on LinkedIn

Link: NBOA Chicago

Guest Questions:

02:45 Housing Provider Tip - Understand catch basins and have a maintenance plan.

04:35 Intro to our guest, John Preston!

06:47 Getting off the ground as a real estate broker focusing on multi-family assets.

16:17 Troubling deals early on in John's career.

22:18 The work behind a successful listing.

29:30 Effectively following up with and converting leads!

31:27 How buyers can find opportunities in today's market.

34:57 John breaks down north side neighborhoods!

45:00 John's pick for a neighborhood with major upside!

50:17 John's bullish outlook on Chicago.

51:15 What is your competitive advantage?

52:15 One piece of advice for new investors.

53:04 What do you do for fun?

53:34 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

54:23 Local Network Recommendation?

55:11 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Tom and Mark interview some of Chicago's Brightest Real Estate Stars during a Renovo Networking Event featuring an interview of Thad Wong! Discussions range from areas investors are targeting in Chicago, breaking down the MRED and Zillow lawsuits, and lessons learned on luxury developments and operating apartment buildings. This show is full of wisdom from some of the best minds in Chicago Real Estate so have your notepad ready!

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guests: Some of Chicago's Brightest Real Estate Stars during a Renovo Networking Event--including an interview with Thad Wong

Link: Thad Wong

Link: SUCI Ep 381 - Kevin Werner

Link: SUCI Ep 255 - Eric Workman

Link: SUCI Ep 368 - Joe Smazal and Ann Keilly Link: SUCI Ep 326 - RJ de Leon Link: Flora Blahnik Team

Guest Questions:

03:17 Investing in Elgin with Mark Fostrom.

09:12 Renovo's formula to success with Kevin Werner!

17:18 Daniel Rosen discusses the evolution of Renovo.

26:23 Scaling a podcast and multi-family with Joe Smazal.

40:03 State of RE Brokerage with Luke Blahnik and Anthony Flora.

49:40 Luxury developments with RJ de Leon.

58:26 Renovation market in NW Indiana with Daniela Rodriguez.

66:22 Workman Lending Team's outlook on Chicago and business growth!

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

What steps should I take to best prepare for my 2026 tax returns?

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Guest: Aaron Zimmerman, Brick House CPAs Link: SUCI Episode 52

Email the Show: [email protected]

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Asher Motew and Quinn Keenan of Essex Capital Markets break down keys to their early career success in the Chicago Commercial Lending Market!

Asher and Keenan start by explaining their background coming from real estate families and how they've been able to pave their own path in commercial lending. They share their service offerings including creative solutions they bring that traditional lenders may not have. The duo talks about some successful deals and how those were put together while also explaining why their partnership has worked so well. They get tactical on underwriting expenses and NOI on deals to achieve desired lending outcomes. Through the show, Asher and Quinn showcase that being hungry and grinding has been the key to tremendous growth early on in their careers.

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guests: Asher Motew and Quinn Keenan, Essex Capital Markets

Link: Essex Capital Market's Instagram (@EssexCapitalMarkets)

Link: Matt Feo (Essex Realty Group)

Link: Asher Motew's Instagram (@AMo2.Cre)

Link: Asher Motew's LinkedIn Link: Quinn Keenan's LinkedIn

Guest Questions:

02:59 Housing Provider Tip - Understand and leverage cost segregation studies.

04:44 Intro to our guests, Asher Motew and Quinn Keenan!

13:20 Jumping into commercial mortgage brokerage.

21:20 The value offered by commercial debt brokers.

31:04 Breaking down a successful deal!

39:56 Asher and Quinn's complimentary partnership!

46:09 Biggest financing hurdles on deals!

50:54 Essex Capital Markets' role in the lending process.

61:10 Tactical tips on underwriting expenses and income.

66:36 What's next for Asher and Quinn.

69:18 What is your competitive advantage?

69:35 One piece of advice for new investors.

69:43 What do you do for fun?

69:52 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

70:04 Local Network Recommendation?

71:27 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Jason Wagner, Managing Broker of Greystone Realty, returns to discuss the state of the Chicago Real Estate market and the power of buy and hold investments.

Jason starts by discussing buyer expectations and demand in today's market. He dives into the data behind Chicago property value appreciation and rent growth across different neighborhoods! Jason shares client success stories involving house hacks, using leverage responsibly, and adding value to create meaningful equity gains. He closes with top advice for new investors and an extremely bullish outlook on select neighborhoods and Chicago as a whole!

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Jason Wagner, Greystone Realty

Link: Jason's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 402 - Jason Wagner

Link: Wagner Report

Link: Wonderful Togbey (Network Referral)

Link: The 10X Rule (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions:

01:07 Housing Provider Tip - Understand and adhere to flood disclosure requirements on leases.

03:03 Intro to our guest, Jason Wagner!

09:31 Buyer demand in today's market.

15:28 Property appreciation and lack of inventory.

22:10 Chicago neighborhoods that Jason is bullish on!

33:42 The power of rent growth and appreciation.

36:43 The latest on the Wagner Report.

47:26 Top lessons learned as a young investor!

50:35 Top Chicagoland neighborhoods and areas with upside!

53:42 Jason's bullish outlook on Chicago real estate.

55:09 What is your competitive advantage?

55:34 One piece of advice for new investors.

56:05 What do you do for fun?

58:38 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

59:00 Local Network Recommendation?

60:38 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

What do I need to be aware of when assigning a contract?

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Guest: Chance Badertscher, Chance The Lawyer

Email the Show: [email protected]

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Duke Dennis and Bryan Sonn of GC Realty & Development join us to explain the ins and outs of Chicagoland Industrial Investments!

Duke and Bryan explain how they got their start in industrial real estate. They dive deep on the differences between residential and industrial property investing. They discuss how they went from a property manager to an owner operator and share ways to add value to industrial properties. Duke and Bryan get granular on a deal in Mundelein including details on the capital raising, acquisition, stabilization, and hurdles that come up during the process. Through the show, Duke and Bryan provide insights to industrial property investing and convey the major ROI opportunities in this often overlooked asset class!

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guests: Duke Dennis & Bryan Sonn, GC Realty & Development

Link: Email Bryan: [email protected] | Bryan's LinkedIn

Link: Email Duke: [email protected] | Duke's LoopNet Page

Guest Questions:

00:52 Housing Provider Tip - Understand best tenant applications in a competitive market!

02:33 Intro to our guests, Bryan Sonn and Duke Dennis!

06:48 Managing industrial properties compared to residential.

10:38 From property manager to owner operator.

20:03 Value-add components on industrial properties.

30:50 Breaking down a Mundelein industrial deal.

37:46 Dealing with and overcoming unexpected challenges.

41:28 Avoiding liquidity issues on large scale projects.

53:07 Benefits of being a passive investor in a reputable syndication fund.

55:53 Opportunities in smaller scale industrial deals.

63:36 5 Year Outlook on Chicagoland Industrial Property Market!

67:40 What is your competitive advantage?

68:50 One piece of advice for new investors.

71:10 What do you do for fun?

71:36 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

72:07 Local Network Recommendation?

72:17 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Igor Mike Kajpust, president of Evolved Property Group, shares his REI journey which started at 17 years of age and spans across multiple states!

Igor breaks down his first few deals which includes an $800 land deal in Colorado and a distressed single family home in Indiana! He shares countless stories on auction properties, cold calling, and learning the process of wholesaling to create deal flow. Igor explains mistakes made on buying deals with quit claim deeds and due diligence. He gets granular on how he gained lead generation momentum through PPC, SEO, and various other real estate marketing strategies which propelled his business. Through the show, Igor shares entertaining stories that exemplify how taking massive action is the key to success in REI!

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Igor Mike Kajpust, Evolved Property Group

Link: Igor's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 166 - J Scott

Link: ilFLS Website

Guest Questions:

01:35 Housing Provider Tip - Account for expenses related to lead plumbing lines when purchasing older buildings.

02:57 Intro to our guest, Igor Mike Kajpust!

04:52 Getting scrappy to find the first few deals.

19:00 Learning the process of wholesaling.

26:48 Transitioning to flipping properties.

35:01 Improving business processes and efficiency.

37:03 Building a rental portfolio in Chicago.

40:21 Distressed property horror stories!

47:45 Jumping into private lending in Chicago.

51:37 How to navigate the auction process.

57:57 What is your competitive advantage?

58:25 One piece of advice for new investors.

59:24 What do you do for fun?

59:57 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

60:35 Local Network Recommendation?

61:00 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

What do real estate investors need to know about the Big Beautiful Bill?

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Guest: Aaron Zimmerman, Brick House CPAs

Email the Show: [email protected]

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Alderman Bennett Lawson discusses historical developments in his 44th Ward and how that success can be applied across the City of Chicago!

Alderman Lawson jumps right in by explaining the successful development in Wrigleyville including partnering with the Ricketts family! He breaks down successful developments including Advocate Masonic Hospital in Lakeview and across the 44th Ward. Alderman Lawson gives practical advice for developers to help increase the chance of having aldermanic support on potential projects! He dives deep on the ADU Pilot Program, its city wide expansion, and how it can best be leveraged to bring much needed housing supply to the city. This show is full of golden insights on Zoning and Development that you won't want to miss!

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: [email protected]

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected]

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Alderman Bennett Lawson, City of Chicago 44th Ward

Link: Alderman Lawson's Instagram

Link: Chicago ADU Program

Link: Chicago's Great Fire (Book Recommendation)

Link: Tom Moore (Zoning Attorney)

Guest Questions:

01:55 Housing Provider Tip - Leverage rent payment services to allow tenants to build their credit history!

03:38 Intro to our guest, Alderman Lawson!

10:55 The development history of Wrigleyville!

18:20 Previous developments in the 44th Ward.

23:30 Advice for developers seeking support from aldermen.

27:18 The background of the Chicago ADU Program!

31:41 Lessons learned from the ADU Pilot Program.

44:08 Potential solutions for the housing supply issue.

48:50 What is your competitive advantage?

49:11 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:35 What do you do for fun?

49:48 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:48 Local Network Recommendation?

51:15 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.