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Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
The Chicago West Suburban Real Estate Investors Meetup is a group dedicated to bringing fantastic, free information to investors in the near southwest suburbs of Chicago. Every month, we meet at a local restaurant to network and to have a local real estate expert in to discuss different aspects of real estate investing. Please RSVP if possible so that the restaurant can provide adequate staffing.
Our guest this month is Mark Ainley who was featured on the bigger pockets podcast show 72. Mark Ainley is the founder GC Realty Investments. Mark Ainley is an investor, managing broker, and property manager with almost two decades of experience in real estate. Mark has been a speaker at numerous events across the country including investing summits in Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago. His extensive experience allows him to share his knowledge and experience on many topics like property management, scaling a business, rehabbing and flipping, out of state investing, asset stabilization, market analysis, and more.
Mark found his way into real estate by purchasing and flipping condominiums prior to the great recession and since he has built his own portfolio of rental portfolio alongside the creation of GC Realty & Development LLC (GCR&D) and GC Realty Investments (GCRI). He has rehabbed and stabilized over 480 properties and currently manages over 900 investment properties throughout the Chicagoland area. Mark is the co-founder of GCR&D, a full-service Real Estate Brokerage, Property Management, and real estate investment firm in the Chicago Market that consults with both local and out of state investors on the acquisition, stabilization, and management of their rental property portfolio. GCR&D recently made the influential Inc. Magazine list of one of the top 5000 fastest growing companies in the United States. GCRI has become one of the premier turnkey companies in Chicago, working with both US and International investors. In recent years, both companies have grown to include over 38 full and part-time employees running the management & development divisions with 27 additional brokers getting deals done.
He was featured on CNBC's TV show The Deed chronicling one of his rehabs. He has also been featured on podcasts like Bigger Pockets, The Real Estate Mogul Podcast, Joe Fairless, REI Diamonds, and Positive Phil. In 2017 he was featured on the cover of Top Agent - Property Management Edition.
Mark loves to give feedback to beginners, out of state investors, or less experienced entrepreneurs on what steps not to take or what steps to take sooner in growing a younger business.
Sincerely, John Warren, Realtor® [email protected] C 847.894.2433 Second City Real Estate - Broker Associate 4000 W Montrose Suite 537 Chicago IL 60641
Real Estate Agent · Orlando, FL · Member since 2018 · 40 posts · 39 votes
6y
This is awesome! I’ve known Mark for some time and can say he’s one of the most knowledgeable people that I’ve met in the Real Estate industry. Wish I could attend this meeting because I know he’s going to add a lot of value to the lives of whoever shows up. If you’re attending this, you’re going to walk out with some really great knowledge. Great choice!
Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 15 posts · 20 votes
6y
Mark Ainley is one of the most lively, energetic, giving, down to earth people I have come across in the real estate space. Can’t wait for this event and hear what kind of nuggets Mark drops. Don’t miss this one, this guy is like a walking library when it comes to real estate, property management and sales.
Investor · Plainfield, IL · Member since 2015 · 5 posts · 3 votes
6y
The key to building a successful real estate portfolio is property management. Without it, you’re toast. We finance hundreds of rental properties each year and push all of our clients to use Mark. There is not a more knowledgeable, informed, honest property manager / management company than Mark and GCR. Whether you are just starting in your investment journey or have 1,000 units, you’ll leave this event with knowledge and connections that will improve your business.
@John Warren thanks for having me out and look forward to seeing a good crowd there.
Keywords: Chicago / Berwyn / Cicero / Dupage / Norridge / Portage Park / Jefferson Park / Edison Park / Oak Park / Riverside / Elmhurst / Kane County
Hey, Mark. What an awesome event!
I know you're going to add a ton of value to the investors who attend because you are a dynamic speaker with as much real estate investing knowledge as anybody in the country. I appreciate all that you and your GC Realty colleagues have taught me. There's no doubt I'm a better investor because of you and the challenging conversations we've had over the years. I'm glad to see you giving back to the other investors in your area. Keep it up!
Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 179 posts · 122 votes
6y
Whenever there is a meetup and @Mark Ainley is one of speakers, I always leave with nuggets to take back and implement in my own business. Really looking forward this!
Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
6y
I want to remind everyone about tonight's event starting at 630am at O'Sullivan's Public House In Forest Park. Be there at 6:30pm to network and shortly after that we will hear from tonight's Speaker Mark Ainley from GC Realty & Development. Mark will be giving valuable nuggets of knowledge that all attendees will benefit from including his deep dive into the following 8 topics.
BRRRR Experience Good & Bad After 480 Units
Mistakes Buyers Make In Chicago
Reducing Long Term Maintenance
Marketing & Screening Tips
What You Must Know About The Just Housing Amendment
What To Look For When Hiring A Property Manager
Self Management Tips & Resources
Great Books & Podcasts To Pick Up Today
We will finish up the event with opportunity for Q&A plus some additional networking at the end of the event. Lots of great people will be there so no doubt you will gain personal growth from lots of industry knowledge and experience that will be here tonight. The event is free and parking is easy so see you tonight! You must come prepared with questions or info you want to leave here with tonight to keep your personal investment career in motion.
Investor · Oak Park, IL · Member since 2014 · 307 posts · 150 votes
6y
I found yesterday's presentation by @Mark Ainley an opportunity to learn many specific items I can apply to management. For example, consider replacing old piping after buying to help minimize plumbing issues in the future. I found his tips on screening tenants, pricing and advertising to be very helpful.
He reminded me Chicago has a new "Just Housing Amendment" regarding discrimination in reviewing tenant applications. I am going to read this one carefully. It is great to have the perspective of a local guy with deep experience and learn from his mistakes, and telling us what we need to know.
Rental Property Investor · Roselle, IL · Member since 2020 · 30 posts · 12 votes
6y
I also enjoyed this meetup. It was my first meetup and I look forward to going to several more. Thank you to John/Mark for hosting the event. The tips on property management and tenant screening were great from @Mark Ainley.
I was shying away from accepting tenants with pets. After hearing some of the surprising number of pet owners looking to rent along with some pet screening tips I have changed my outlook.
