All Forum Posts by: Mark Ainley

Join us as we celebrate 5 incredible years of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast! Whether you've been with us from the beginning or just recently joined the community, this event is all about connecting, networking, and toasting to Chicago real estate success.

Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Modern Plate, 119 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
Cash Bar
Buffet-Style Food & Passed Appetizers
Limited Spots

Expect great food, great company, and an unforgettable night with fellow investors, industry pros, and the podcast crew.

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@Shea Murray @John Warren  @Zach Gring

@Alex Martinez @Tom Shallcross

@Kevin Alvarado we use Eric Workman at Renovo.  DM me if you want an email intro.  I have been using Renovo since 2014 now.  My cohost on Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast @Tom Shallcross has done 40+ deals with Renovo too. 

If you're managing your own rentals (especially in places like Chicago), you’ve probably noticed tenant screening isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. New laws in 2025 are changing how we’re allowed to screen applicants—and getting it wrong can cost you big time.

I just finished putting together a brand-new guide called "Mastering Tenant Screening in 2025."
It breaks down what’s changed, what to watch for in applicant red flags, and how to use a screening matrix to make consistent, compliant decisions.

✅ Designed for self-managing landlords
✅ Covers common scams in 2025
✅ Includes a customizable screening matrix

Whether you're new to the game or you've placed dozens of tenants, this will help you stay sharp and avoid costly mistakes.

👉https://www.gcrealtyinc.com/chicago-tenant-screening-mastery...

#TenantScreening #2025Law

Thanks @Paul De Luca and nice post @Arif K.

I hear what you are saying but the reality of your scenario is trust between you and the PM with the decisions they made.  Had you have 100% confidence you would know this is the cost of doing business and I paid a fair price to do so.  

Why PMs do not send you rent and wait to get paid for work is the cost of the carry cost.  The average PM makes 15% profit margin on PM services and even less on maintenance if any so if they now have to carry balances and chase clients for money that will either cause them to lose money or turn around and charge you more money for services.  

When a work order is complete that vendor is typically paid in 7 days and or that w2 worker at the end of the week. if you delay these payments to the people doing work then more then likely that vendor will charge more next time(not an option with W2). Waiting 30-45 days and then having to chase clients(not saying that would be the case with you but I know remb the PM would fall low on many clients lists when it would be the life line for a PM) creating now a pain for the PM.

We run into scenarios with clients that either we did a bad job explaining what they paid for or miscalculated on a scenario and under estimated something that ends up being crucial convos we are responsbile for taking on with the client either proactively(we try) or with quick replies when questioned.  

Hope that helps a little and happy to jump on a call and talk more!

Thanks @Jesus Santoyo we plan on having the recording on our website as soon as CHA is done processing.  

📢 Are You Charging the Right Rent? Learn How to Set Competitive Rental Prices!

Setting the right rental rate is key to attracting tenants, maximizing profits, and staying competitive in today’s market. Join us for this essential webinar designed for property owners and managers.

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 Possibly if we are the right fit...lets jump on a call and if we are not the right fit I will be sure to connect you with the right person.  

@Anupam Banerji I would give RCI Inspections a call.  We had them on the podcast a couple years ago and been referring them since for these larger buildings.  I cant place the link here but when you accept my DM I can send you the link to the podcast episode we had them on!

773-716-3560

@Anupam Banerji I will send you a DM with the options we refer all of our clients.  Challenge here is the age of some of these buildings and flat roofs.  

@Brij Patel I just DMed you someone that is perfect for that scope!