All Forum Posts by: Jonathan Pliszka

I've gone back on forth on this. I originally started saying that I was the "manager" but then switched to saying that I was the "owner." I work as a part-time broker and occasionally work rental leads for my managing broker. This may be Chicago specific, but I found that tenants were consistently quick to gripe about large property management companies and their bad experiences with them. I use this to my advantage in my listings by saying something like "Tired of dealing with a large property management company? This building is cared for by the owner." The potential tenants who value that statement are the kind of people I want to rent to. Again, may not work in your market because their may be less of a presence of large multi-family buildings, but just my two cents. Good luck!

Awesome job! What neighborhood in Charlotte is this in?

Great idea, @Brie Schmidt !

In State / Out of State? I'm currently invested in Chicago's Northwest Side. I also own a property in Charlotte, NC.

Strategy? Buy and Hold.

Type of properties? Multi-Family & Condos & Townhomes.

Looking for? Networking opportunities, potential partners, expand my knowledge.

Can offer / knowledgeable about? CMA Analysis, Brokerage, Landlording, Financing & Legal recommendations, Chicago North Side Neighborhoods.

@Robert Murphy Welcome to BiggerPockets! Grew up in the Hartford area and spent my freshman year at Springfield College so I know that and the WNEC area well. Best of luck to you!

@Mark Ainley I too am curious about @John Weidner 's question. I've attended the CHA Symposium the last several years and would love to get my feet wet in the CHA program. Property management is among my biggest reservations as to John's point. Thanks!

@Xavier Y. It's certainly unique for each person and what they're trying to accomplish. The bigger shops may be more appealing if you're looking to break in full-time. I signed on with my managing broker because of the flexibility that allowed me to work part-time, from home, at my convenience. I pay a little bit of a higher rate (30%) than your traditional large shops, but I pay no other fees whatsoever outside of E&O insurance. I became licensed to a.) schedule my own showings b.) save on commission and c.) take advantage of friends & acquaintances inquiring about industry recommendations.

As to @Brie Schmidt 's recommendation for instituteonline.com. I'll second that. I'm currently doing my CE program with them as we speak. My last class is tonight. It's been very straightforward.

Cheers!

@Xavier Y. The schools are all going to be pretty much the same from the research that I did. I opted for one that allowed the greatest flexibility in terms of study at home options. Once you finish the classes, you'll take the school's exam. Once you pass that, you'll get approved to take the state test. After you pass, within a week, you'll have dozens of solicitations from firms wanting brokers. Good luck!

@Alex Heifetz I've included the Chicago Tribune neighborhood crime map link below. This breaks it down by community area. Thanks!

http://crime.chicagotribune.com/

"the first property is in Logan Square." - @Adam G

Excellent! Like most folks, I'm pretty bullish on Logan Square. I'm in the process of closing on a place there myself. Albeit a condo for me to live in. Best of luck to you!

Welcome @Adam G