Spring has officially hit the 414, and for Milwaukee investors, the starting gun has fired. Whether you ’ re chasing your first wholesale deal or managing a massive portfolio from Bay View to Brewers Hill, the "busy season" is here Now is the time to shake off the winter rust, audit your fundamentals, and get your systems dialed in before the summer rush takes over.
Success this year depends on the strength of your bench. We’re focusing on "The Spring Refresh" adding fresh talent to your contractor team, sharpening your buy-box, and prepping your finances to move fast on new inventory. The opportunities are hitting the market right now; let’s make sure you ’ re positioned to win
Your Net Worth is Only as Strong as Your Network: Why Contractors
Make or Break the Deal
In the world of real estate investing, your profit isn’t just made when you buy or when you sell. It’s made in the trenches in the weeks or months between the closing dates when hammers are swinging and wires are being pulled
Whether you are a seasoned "fix-and-flipper" or a new landlord prepping your first rental, your success is tethered to the quality of your contractors A great contractor can save a deal from the brink of disaster; a poor one can turn a home-run project into a financial nightmare. This April, we are opening the vault to the best crews in Milwaukee but first, let’s talk about why those names are worth their weight in gold
WhyYour “Rolodex” is Your Greatest Asset
Most investors focus on finding deals, but finding reliable labor is arguably the harder task in today’s market. A vetted list of contractors isn't just a convenience; it’s a risk-mitigation strategy. When you have a team you trust, you can:
Estimate with Confidence: You know their pricing and won't be blindsided by "hidden costs."
Scale Your Business: You can take on multiple projects knowing the work will get done without you swinging the hammer
Protect Your Reputation: Quality work leads to higher appraisals, happier tenants, and faster sales.
The "Trust but Verify" System: Managing Risk
Experienced investors know that a referral is only the first step. To keep a project on track, you need a system of accountability that protects your capital
The Tiered Payment Schedule: Never pay a large deposit upfront. Organize your payments around "Milestones." For example, pay a portion after demolition, another after rough-ins, and the final 10-20% only after the final municipal inspection is passed and the site is broom-clean.
Lien Waivers are Non-Negotiable: Even if you trust your GC, you must ensure their subs and suppliers are being paid Collecting signed lien waivers with every draw is the only way to ensure a disgruntled plumber doesn't put a claim on your title six months later.
The "Walk-Through" Standard: Set a recurring day and time (e.g., every Thursday at 9:00 AM) to walk the property with the lead contractor This prevents small misunderstandings from turning into $5,000 mistakes
Keeping the Best: It’s a Two-WayStreet
The best contractors are always busy If you want to be their "preferred" client, you have to be a preferred partner.
Pay Fast: Nothing builds loyalty like a check that’s ready the moment the milestone is met.
Have Clear Scopes of Work: Don't be the investor who "figures it out as we go." Provide written lists and clear expectations to avoid "scope creep "
Respect Their Time: Don't call them at 9:00 PM on a Sunday for a non-emergency. Treat their business with the same professional courtesy you expect for yours
Join Us for the "Contractor Corner" Exchange
Building a list from scratch through trial and error is expensive and exhausting At Milwaukee REIA, we believe in shortening that learning curve by sharing the "boots on the ground" intel of our entire membership.
Twice a year, we host Contractor Corner our most popular resource-sharing event This is your chance to crowdsource the best talent in Southeastern Wisconsin. How It Works:
Bring Your List: Come to the April Main Meeting with the names and contact info of the contractors you ’ ve used and loved.
The Incentive: For every qualified contractor you submit to our master list, you receive an entry into a drawing to win $200!
The Reward: At the end of the evening, everyone in attendance receives the compiled list of every contractor submitted that night.
The Catch: You must be there in person to receive the list We do not email this out or post it online; it is an exclusive benefit for those who show up and contribute to the hive mind of our association.
Whether you need a roofer, a master plumber, or a reliable "trash-out" crew, the April meeting is where you’ll find them. Let’s build our businesses together.
A Special Thank You to Our Beer Sponsor
Dave Graf | 920-203-6087 | dave@gsifoundations com
Taylor Rens | 414-296-6225 | taylor rens@zrlaywers com John Newland | 414-852-0921 jnewland@terranova-realestate.com
Dan Farsht | 262-208-4708 | info@reiahardmoney com 414-276-7378 | membership@aasew org
HUD Wants to Implement Work Requirements & Tim Limits in Subsidized Housing
BY: BRAD BECKETT VIA REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY.COM
The U S Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced a new proposed rule to provide all public housing authorities (PHAs) and Section 8 project-based rental assistance (PBRA) owners flexibility to implement work requirements and time limits for non-elderly, nondisabled work-capable adults in HUD-funded housing
The proposed rule will allow for the following:
Given the success of MTW PHAs in implementing work requirements, time limits, or both, HUD’s proposed rule gives direct flexibility to all PHAs and Owners to implement a work requirement of up to 40 hours per week and/or time limits of two years or more for non-disabled, nonelderly adults ages 18 to 61 PHAs and Owners can designate who within a household is subject to the work requirements and how to apply the work requirements. Importantly, PHAs and Owners that implement work requirements and/or time limits will be required to offer supportive services to facilitate self-sufficiency, to assist individuals in fulfilling policy requirements
“Housing assistance was never meant to trap work-able individuals on government support their entire lives, rather it should be a temporary foundation to launch into a life of self-sufficiency Getting a paycheck is empowering, getting a welfare check is not HUD’s proposed rule will restore dignity and well-being among residents we serve Our proposal expands access for deserving families on waiting lists, while still preserving protections for elderly and disabled households.” Said Secretary Scott Turner in a released statement
Click here to read the full release from HUD
Click here to read the proposed rule.
Milwaukee REIA Vendor Highlight
Sandbar plumbing LLC is a service and repair, residential, investment properties, and small commercial plumbing company that serves south eastern Wisconsin Insured and licensed with 20 years of plumbing experience Have leaky pipes? Need that old cast iron out and new PVC in? Want to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen sink? Call ,text or email Mike.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR REIA MEMBERS: 5% off any bill over $500
Mike Kopac (414) 881-3265
sandbarplumbingllc@yahoo com
Established in 2019, our organization has proudly served our clients with dedication and excellence for several years At PS Junk Removal, we take pride in being more than just a junk removal and demolition service –we are your partners in reclaiming space and rejuvenating environments We are committed to environmental responsibility, ensuring that materials are disposed of responsibly and recycled whenever possible
Vanessa Petty (414) 240-4332
contact@psjunkremovalwi.com
Market Update
Mourtadh Alamri
Daumarri Artis
Byron Artis
Nick Babino
Kyarah Bowie
Taylor Drescher
Nathanial Greer
Leah Griffin
Tiffany Griffin
Morgan Lilly
Tom LoBosco
Casey Ramos
Dacolis Sampson
Rafael Soto
Alejandro Villegas
Michael Zollicoffer Jr
Federal Court Strikes Down FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule
BY: BRAD BECKETT VIA REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY COM
The American Land Title Association is reporting that a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas issued a ruling vacating the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule in its entirety ALTA says the ruling found that FinCEN exceeded its statutory authority under the Bank Secrecy Act and ordered the rule be set aside. They say this is inconsistent with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which last month issued a decision in Fidelity National Financial v Bessent.
In addition, FinCEN gov has issued guidance confirming that reporting persons are not currently required to file reports under the rule. Alta says this shows FinCEN has acknowledged the court’s ruling and is not requiring compliance with reporting obligations at this time.
“As a result, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the immediate and long-term impact of this ruling An appeal of the Texas decision is likely, and in similar cases, it has been common for courts to stay their ruling while an appeal works its way through the judicial system” – ALTA
In addition, FinCEN has issued guidance confirming that reporting persons are not currently required to file reports under the rule Click here to read the guidance
Click here to read the full story at ALTA.
Click here to read the summary judgement.
Click here to read the guidance from FINCEN
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