February2026
FINDING DEALS OTHERS MISS
How to use low-cost tools to find
EMBRACING OPPROTUNITY IN 2026
How adapting to change creates
HOUSING MARKET IS
Sharpening Your Edge
In this month’s newsletter, we ’ re focusing on how to find better deals without spending more money using low-cost, practical tools that are already at your disposal. In a market where the best opportunities aren’t always obvious, knowing how to work smarter (not harder) can be the difference between chasing deals and closing them
You’ll also learn how to better leverage our vendor partners and what they can offer you as a Milwaukee REIA member from services that save you time and money to connections that help you move faster and more confidently As we look ahead to 2026, this is your reminder that opportunity doesn’t disappear it shifts. The investors who stay educated, connected, and proactive are the ones who win. Let’s make sure you ’ re one of them
Two Experts. One Blueprint for Finding Better Deals.
Nick James - The Power of Direct Mail & Strategies
Direct mail still works but only when it’s executed with intention In today’s market, many investors are spending more on mail and seeing less return, not because direct mail is broken, but because small mistakes quietly destroy ROI over time. In this session, Nick James, with REIPrintMail, will break down how successful investors are turning direct mail into a predictable, scalable lead-generation system by using clean, market-
specific data, proven mail designs, disciplined tracking, and consistent follow-up strategies that compound results instead of burning cash. You’ll learn how improving response rates, call handling, and deal evaluation even slightly can dramatically impact your bottom line, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that cause most campaigns to fail. If you want to protect your marketing dollars and build a system that delivers deals month after month, this session will show you how
Bryan Falk-Steinmetz - Evaluate & Profit: Determining a Property’s Value
Knowing how to evaluate a property correctly can mean the difference between a winning deal and a costly mistake. In this session, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques to analyze properties, understand their true value, and identify hidden potential. From calculating numbers to spotting risks, these insights will help you make smarter, faster buying decisions and maximize your profits on every deal.
Active in the real estate investing industry since 2017, Bryan is a full-time professional Home Buyer with Sell Now Wisconsin, specializing in real estate acquisitions, with an exceptional track record as a top sales performer. Previously, he excelled as a top sales rep for a premium home improvement company Bryan brings a well-rounded and disciplined approach to his professional endeavors, consistently demonstrating excellence in his pursuits
A Special Thank You to Our Beer Sponsor
Upcoming Events
JOIN IN WITH SOME LOCAL EVENTS!
Commercial Corner FEB4
Main Meeting: The Deal Finder’s Blueprint FEB10
Online Masterclass: How to SetUp and Mange QB Online! FEB14
FEB18 Investor Breakfast Club
FEB26 W I N G S Luncheon
FEB28
MAR10
Online Masterclass: Foreclosure Profits 101: The Short Sale Strategy
Main Meeting: Business for Life
Dave Graf | 920-203-6087 | dave@gsifoundations com
Jodi Graf | 414-395-5478 | jgraf@premierpointrealty.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
We are a boutique financial firm built for real estate investors, small business owners, and families seeking to maximize results Our focus is on reducing tax liabilities, increasing cash flow, and delivering holistic financial planning tailored to each client’s goals.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR REIA MEMBERS:
Free tax saving consultation for any real estate investors.
Zachary Poker (262) 443-2744
Design Decor & Beyond (DDB) is an owneroperated home staging company specializing in preparing homes for sale in lake country and the
Greater Milwaukee Area. We partner with agents, investors, and homeowners to create beautiful, buyer-appealing spaces that ensure properties sell smarter, faster, and for more Our process is simple and seamless, focusing on design, layout, and buyer psychology to highlight strengths In addition to staging, we offer professional, highquality real estate photography DDB is committed to being client-focused, offering tailored recommendations instead of generic formulas.
zpoker@pokerfinancial.com Andrea Diaz Saavedra (262) 606-9923
designdecorbeyond@gmail.com
Syed Ali Ryan Allsop
James Bertolli
James Chapman
Jennifer Hennes
Maria Sanchez
Marissa Thoms
Patrick Wheaton
Linda White
Embrace the Opportunity in 2026
BY: JANE GARVEY VIA REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY COM
industry or geographical location that is hard hit by an economic change, or damage from a natural event. Sometimes almost everyone ’ s lives and routines are disrupted at the same time. Change happens and we can benefit from it if we can learn to embrace the opportunity to transition to a new routine. It is not what life deals us that counts, it’s what we make out of it.
In times of change, look for opportunities to solve problems As our lives and routines are disrupted pay attention. You will notice things you don’t ordinarily see. Opportunities for improvement, opportunities for investment, opportunities for connection, opportunities for invention, and many others You will see your own specific set of opportunities, the things your eyes and background are tuned in to.
When we first started investing in houses that needed rehabbing, we decided to change the routes we took and the things we looked at. We stated driving a different way each time we went somewhere. And we started looking for properties that needed work as opposed to the ones that were eye catching in an appealing way The thought was that we might notice properties that were clearly neglected and in need of some TLC that would be good investments. We started taking routes that were not the main roads. It worked, and it still does.
Continue reading on the next page
Many houses and yards start looking like there is a problem before the problem gets to the stage that the house is for sale Fallen branches that aren’t picked up after a storm, snow that isn’t shoveled in the winter, grass that isn’t mowed in the summer, overgrown bushes, peeling paint, and many other things are indications that someone has a problem taking care of a property Open your eyes and minds to see what is in front of you
Just like changing the physical route you take, the experience we are all going through with social distancing is changing the way we work We are spending time on virtual meetings, doing more things online that we might have done in person. Many people are finding that they have more time available as they have eliminated their commute. As you make these changes to your routine, you will find opportunities for improvement Investigate them and change if appropriate
Over the years I have found that a forced change in routine allows the luxury of innovation You will find that you are seeking solutions for how to do things and others are too. If you have skills that could help others you may have the beginnings of a new business. Explore it!
Disruption in your routine offers new opportunities to plug something in that you have been wanting to do. Many people are connecting with their families in a way that they haven’t made the time for in the past See if you can get some new routines established that will live on beyond the end of the disruption Family dinners come to mind as something that has historically been an important time to connect, but many have dispensed with as the pressures of life demand more time. Personal time for exercise, cooking healthy meals, prayer, meditation, reading, and other healthy habits can come back into your life (if it has been missing). If you find value in it, make sure to make it a habit and keep up the habit after things return to “normal”.
I read something the other day that triggered the idea for this article and speaks to the potential benefits from a change in routine. During the Great Plague of London in 1665-1666, Isaac Newton retreated to the family farm about 60 miles outside Cambridge During this time, as a 23 year old, he let his imagination loose, generating ideas that eventually led to the invention of calculus, parts of optic theory, and allegedly, while sitting in his garden, he saw an apple fall from a tree that inspired his understanding of gravity and the laws of motion This was known as his “wonder year. ”
While you may not invent things that change the world as much as Isaac Newton’s inventions did, you may invent things that change your world. Go for it! With a change in routine and a mind open to ideas we can accomplish amazing things. Make this your wonder year.
Jane Garvey is the President of the Chicago Creative Investors Association
Vendor Highlight: REI Print Mail
Direct mail remains one of the most consistent and scalable lead-generation channels for real estate investors when executed correctly, but it is full of hidden pitfalls that can quietly destroy ROI if not managed properly. Long-term success comes from mastering five core elements: using well-filtered, market-specific data rather than raw lists; deploying mail designs that are tested and refined over time; tracking every mail piece to understand what works across different markets; applying a consistent strategy that allows results to compound through follow-up; and ensuring strong incoming call handling so valuable leads are not lost When these elements work together, even small improvements in response rates, answer rates, and closing rates can multiply results and turn direct mail into a predictable investment rather than a gamble.
Helping investors navigate this process is Nick James, an experienced direct mail coach who works closely with real estate investors to build repeatable, results-driven campaigns. Nick focuses on practical strategy, clean data, effective mail design, and disciplined tracking to help investors avoid common mistakes and improve performance over time. His approach centers on turning direct mail into a reliable system that supports long-term growth instead of short-term testing.
Supporting these efforts is REIPrintMail, a full-service direct mail marketing company built exclusively for real estate investors. REIPrintMail combines data-driven list building, proven mail designs, large-scale tracking, and high-volume execution to help investors generate consistent inbound lead flow By reducing guesswork and focusing on measurable results, REIPrintMail helps investors control costs, improve ROI, and build sustainable marketing systems that continue producing deals month after month
National Benefit of the Month
MSI
Ask any investor and they’ll tell you they have a lot on their plates - not to mention an eye on the horizon looking for that next deal. Insurance should be one of the last things investors have to worry about especially when it comes to good coverage and quality customer service. MSI (formally Arcana) knows and understands these concerns. that is why they offer unique, intelligently designed insurance coverage for today’s real estate investors.
MSI offers members multiple insurance products specifically designed for Investors. They are focused on delivering quality insurance and protection products to the housing market. They are dedicated to absolute efficiency, excellent personal service, and industry leading technology. It is their mission to provide customers streamlined operational processes and state of the art technology.
Tool of the Month
OPEN LETTER MARKETING
Supercharge your deal flow with direct mail campaigns that deliver results, not just promises Open Letter Marketing provides you with highly personalized letters, designed to establish a direct and intimate connection with your prospects, ensuring your communication is as personable and engaging as possible
SKIP TRACING SERVICES: Ensure that the list you are marketing to with accurate phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses.
DESIGN SERVICES: Personalized direct mail resonates more with recipients, making them feel individually addressed, thus enhancing the seriousness of the communication.
DIRECT MAIL SERVICES: Put your direct mail on autopilot with their high-performing, automated direct mail campaigns.
Real Estate Agents Say Housing Market is Balancing Out
BY: BRAD BECKETT, REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY.COM
A recent report by CNBC’s Diana Olick says while the U S housing market has yet to pick up steam, real estate agents say there’s been a real shift toward a more balanced market The data comes from CNBC’s Q4 2025 Quarterly Housing Market Survey.
Some key points:
Of the real estate agents surveyed, 37.5% said it was a balanced market.
More agents reported having at least one seller cut their price in Q4.
When asked how affordability is impacting their buyers, agents said fewer buyers left the market in the fourth quarter than in the prior period, and fewer delayed purchases
