All Forum Posts by: Connor O'Brien

Propress is allowed in chicago and honestly makes install almost as fast as pex 

@Mark Ainley episode 278 was iconic! thanks for all the work you have put into the podcast

my number one piece of advice for every new investor in chicago would be go check out “straight up chicago investor” podcast. the last episode is a deep dive into the struggles David Greene has had with his portfolio in the last couple years and Mark and Toms podcast is the first place i’ve heard this story. Reminds you as an investor how close you really are to the bottom! 

with an 1880s wood building (age of many 2 flat buildings) it’s not if you have rotted wood but where. for me it was a constant battle caulking/replacing windows spraying insulation to keep cold air out and conducting yearly termite inspections. you might still have some of these issues with brick buildings but you have more time (fix it this year as a opposed to right now) 

@Mark Ainley curious if you have any other anecdotal reasons why brick is better than wood- i know i’ve heard this come up on the podcast numerous times

why not buy a 2 flat? chicago has some of the best small multi unit stock in the country. I suggest buying a brick building if you go that route- was in a similar situation in 2018 and bought a wood building but wish i had gone with brick

straight up chicago real estate investor podcast is a great way to learn what others are doing all over the city

also to be candid i have two co-workers who built in similar new development subdivisions down there and both had major issues with the builder- e.g workmanship issues, exterior work delays etc… which builders are you looking at?

Hi Chintan, i work in hammond and have a couple co workers who just bought new construction in crown point i know some builders will buy down your rate also. I trust Eudith with rents as she is an expert in the market! i also agree with her that cash flow is the key and a $3500/mo renter is gonna have HIGH expectations in the midwest. one of my units is rented at $2500 and i had to triple clean it because expectations were higher than what i provided. @Eudith Vacio i’m curious what % of the total NWI $3500/mo is top 5%?

I used Getinland for my hud203k in 2018. It’s been a while but if you can’t find any good ones I’m happy to share their contact

We own in Richton park, a couple miles away. I love the area however there are many abandon buildings despite brand new construction (check out Sauk trail and 57- built a new Starbucks, and new 3 tenant retail in the last 2 years)

I’m curious if these new developments are working out tax deals with the county?? Seems wasteful to have buildings just sitting and it makes me wonder about older building outlook

Hi BP! 

Is it possible to resurface a fiberglass shower surround? The paint is starting to peel on the unit and I have tenants moving in

if so anyone know someone in Homewood, Matteson, Richton park area who can do it? 

Thanks in advance! 
-Connor

Hi BP, 

any architects in Illinois familiar with egress Windows installs? I’ve pasted a picture of a Richton park single family home below. 

i believe I’ll need to work with the city and cut the foundation. Window is currently about 6 feet above the slab

Thanks in advance!

- Connor