Podcast

By Mark Ainley

Episode 369: This Is How You Get Freedom of Time As a Chicago Investor with Erik Swanson

Erik Swanson, owner of Fernweh Property Group, explains how he’s developed a track record with investors that has allowed him to build a Tap Room business and an impressive real estate portfolio!Erik starts with very cool stories about his days in the music industry includi...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 368: Current Chicago Apartment Sales & Leasing Trends with Joe Smazal & Ann Reilly (NSBC Liv...

Episode Title: Current Chicago Apartment Sales & Leasing Trends with Joe Smazal & Ann Reilly (NSBC Live Event)Episode Subtitle: 2025 Apartment Sales & Leasing TrendsEpisode Category: Buy and Hold, Commercial Real Estate, Multifamily, Leasing, Evict...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 366: Networking Leader from Creative Financing to Six-Figure Commission Checks with Jeffrey ...

Jeffrey Ma joins us to share his experience as a real investor, broker, and wholesaler including various creatively structured deals!Jeffrey starts by discussing his upbringing, start in real estate, and how he established a focus on wholesaling. He dives deep into “creativ...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 365: Building a $20 Million Portfolio Using BRRRR with Wyatt Simon

Wyatt Simon, owner of Full Circle Real Estate, discusses the successes and lessons learned in his journey to building a $20 million real estate portfolio!Wyatt starts by talking about how a successful BRRRR deal allowed him to gain momentum early on in his investing career. After...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 364: Small Credit Items That Lead to Large Financial Impacts with Eric Workman

How does credit effect DSCR loans?=============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.comEmail the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@g...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 363: 168 Western Suburb units In Less Than 10 Years with John Warren

John discusses his start in real estate over a decade ago and reflects on missed opportunities, lessons learned, and success stories! He shares practical advice on simply structuring partnerships and talks about Forte Properties’ plan for growth in the western suburbs. John...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 361: What To Do Regarding the Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance

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.comEmail the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.comGuest: Brie Schmidt, Second City Real Estate...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 362: Free Money to Develop Affordable Housing? Learn How with Scott Henry

Scott Henry, Founder of Celadon Partners, joins to discuss the ins and outs of Affordable Housing Development including tax credits, grants, and construction considerations.Scott starts by sharing his experience working at JPMorgan’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit inve...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 360: Don’t Be Foolish, Protect Your Assets and This Is How with David Lanciotti and Del De...

David Lanciotti and Del Denney of The Land Trust Company explain why all real estate investors should understand and consider utilizing Land Trusts!David and Del jump right in by explaining the basics and complexities associated with land trusts. They dive into the challenges tha...

By Mark Ainley

Episode 359: 2025 Cook County Evictions with Tom Raleigh

Tom Raleigh, Founding Attorney of Halsted Law Group, returns after being on Episode 40 to talk evictions!Tom jumps right in by breaking down the eviction process and the timelines in 2025. He gives great tips on getting ahead of the process and emphasizes the importance of stayin...