From Chaos to Clarity
Whether you're closing your first duplex or managing a massive portfolio, it’s easy to let the "hustle" take over This month, we ’ re focusing on shifting from operator to owner in our lead feature, "Are you running your business... or is your business running you?" We’re breaking down how to implement the systems and boundaries necessary to finally take back control of your time
This issue also highlights the power of the Milwaukee REIA community We share the story of a local member who launched his career through the help of a mentor, alongside a tactical guide on why "Knowing Your Neighbor" is a landlord’s best kept secret. At the REIA, our goal remains the same: providing the education and connections you need to build a business that serves your life, not the other way around
Are You Running Your Business...
Or Is Your Business Running You?
Join Us March 10th to Reclaim Your Time and Build a "Business for Life"
Most of us got into real estate for the same reasons: freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a better life for our families But for many investors from those just starting their first flip to seasoned pros with dozens of doors the dream eventually starts to feel like a "hamster wheel." The hours get longer, the stress increases, and suddenly, it feels like the business owns you instead of the other way around.
On Tuesday, March 10th, the Milwaukee REIA is thrilled to welcome Jason Wojciechowski, CEO of Lifeonaire, for a powerful main meeting presentation: "Business for Life "
Meet the Speaker: Jason Wojciechowski
Jason’s story is one many of us can relate to In 2009, he appeared successful by every external measure, yet behind closed doors, he was overworked and desperate for a change Through the Lifeonaire philosophy, Jason didn’t just save his business he reinvented it to serve his life Today, as CEO and lead instructor, he helps thousands of investors across the country transition from "survival mode" to living a life of true fulfillment and freedom
What You’ll Learn:
This isn’t just another seminar on how to find more deals; it’s a session on how to build a sustainable infrastructure for your success. Jason will dive into:
Escaping the "Always Working" Trap: How to reclaim your time without sacrificing your bottom line.
Designing for Vision: Strategies to ensure your business supports your personal life goals rather than consuming them.
The Power of Systems: Practical steps to stop being a "manager of fires" and start being a true business owner.
Special Bonus: Get the Book!
We want to make sure you have the tools to implement these changes immediately. The first 100 members in attendance will receive a FREE copy of Jason’s book! Even better, Jason will be available from 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM to sign copies and chat with members before the presentation begins.
A Special Thank You to Our Beer Sponsor
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
Newland | 414-852-0921 jnewland@terranova-realestate.com
| membership@aasew org
From Cold Calls to Closing Day: Ben's Journey Through the Mentoring Program
When Ben joined Milwaukee REIA Mentoring; he didn't just want someone to hand him answers. He wanted to go right to the source Three deals later, he's got a story worth telling
A FamilyConnection That Led to Something Bigger
Ben's path to Milwaukee REIA Mentoring actually started with his brother, who had gone through the program back in 2016. Ben had picked up bits and pieces along the way, but his brother also runs a car dealership in Kenosha, so his time and attention were always stretched thin Rather than keep nagging him for answers, Ben decided to stop going around the source and just go directly to it.
"Instead of me just nagging the (life) out of my brother, I joined the mentoring program," Ben said with a laugh "I knew I wasn't going to learn everything directly from him and I might as well just go right to the source"
The Program Has Evolved, and So Has the Value
One thing Ben is quick to point out is how much the mentoring program has changed since his brother's time What used to be a single mentor assigned to tag along with you on a project has transformed into something far more specialized Eric has built out a full team, and now students get direct access to each person based on what stage of a deal they're working through.
Need help on the acquisition side? That's Brian Working through disposition and figuring out whether to rehab or relist? That's Doug. Every part of the process has a dedicated expert behind it, and Ben says that shift was the biggest value-add he experienced in the program.
"Once Eric started doing that was when I think that was the biggest value add and what I found great in it," Ben said "You kind of learn more about what flow fits best for yourself"
The Deal That Almost Wasn't: A Four-Hour Appointment and a Seller with Dementia
Ben's current project is a perfect example of how real estate rarely goes the way you plan He found this property through a targeted cold-call list, something he put a lot of thought into building He was looking for senior homeowners, specifically those 75 and older who had owned their home for at least 15 years and had property taxes over $4,000.
Out of a list of 7,000 properties, that criteria narrowed it down to about 4,000, and he coldcalled through them until he landed on this one.
When he called, the owner's response to scheduling a visit was a little unusual: "I'll be here I'm not going anywhere." Ben showed up anyway, and what followed was a four-hour appointment that revealed the seller had dementia. He had no real grasp of the transaction and kept trying to sign over his mortgage Ben knew he had to get the seller's daughter involved, tracked her down through a people-search site, and eventually brought her and her husband in to work through everything together.
Even then, the road to closing was bumpy. The original close date of October 1st came and went with radio silence. Ben extended it to the 16th, still nothing. When he finally got through, the family had already moved out and left the doors wide open He had to drive over and put a lockbox on the property himself.
"As soon as I got it signed, all communication dropped off from them," he said "I'd say the biggest challenge was just the unknown of even closing"
When the Basement Floods on the Dayof Signing
If communication issues weren't enough, the universe threw in one more curveball. The very day Ben got the contract signed back in August, Milwaukee was hit with a heavy rainstorm Power went out in the neighborhood, the sump pump backed up, and the basement flooded.
Ben's first call was to the mentoring team Doug responded right away, walked him through what they were likely looking at, and gave him a practical first step: cut out one-foot sections of drywall to see what was behind them before panicking about remediation. No foundation issues No worst-case scenario Just a problem that, once properly assessed, was very manageable.
"That just like eliminated my anxiety," Ben said "I think I overbought it or overpaid for it What the hell do I do now? And he just reassured me it's very, for the most part, simple and straightforward."
Three Deals In, and Looking Ahead
Ben has now closed three deals through the program, which means he's technically graduated But as he'll tell you, graduating doesn't mean losing access. He still stays connected through the group's WhatsApp channel and can reach out to the team whenever something comes up.
Ask him about the most memorable deal and he doesn't hesitate: it's his first one Not because it was profitable or smooth, but because it was the opposite. A $130,000+ budget, 12 to 15 truckloads of topsoil for the landscaping alone, contractor headaches, city inspectors creating delays It was a massive scope of work for a first deal But he got through it, and that changed everything mentally.
"It symbolized like, okay, I got this and I can move forward," he said "That first project was the one like, holy crap, what am I going to do? And that's where the mentoring program really helped out"
Now that he's on his own keeping full profits, Ben isn't slowing down. He has a full marketing and cold-calling plan in motion and is excited about what's next.
His One Piece of Advice for Anyone Thinking About Getting Started
When asked what he'd tell someone on the fence about joining the mentoring program, Ben doesn't oversell the glamour of real estate investing. He keeps it grounded.
"Just the true consistency of it You can see your own cycles of if you fall in a dip and you lose your consistency, you lose that whole momentum Even if you mentally feel like crap and none of this is working, it is, and you just don't see it yet"
And the reason consistency is even possible, he says, is because you're not doing it alone. The mentoring team doesn't just teach you, they're actively in the deals with you, catching mistakes before they compound, and making sure you don't buy wrong from the start If something goes sideways with a contractor mid-project, you make one call and you're not in the dark.
"I would just be lost without it," he said "It's those issues that go wrong during the project, and I normally would have no idea. And then I know I can just contact someone and it's all good."
Interested in learning more about the Milwaukee REIA Mentoring Program?
Reach out to set up a conversation and find out if it's the right fit for you. TO LEARN MORE - CLICK HERE!
Milwaukee REIA Vendor Highlight
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Kevin Kernhardt
Justin Birdd
The Power of Knowing Your Neighbors
BY: SCOT AUBREY VIA REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY COM
neighbors of the properties you own. This practice not only enhances safety and security for your tenants and your investment but also helps create a more cohesive and harmonious environment for everyone involved, including the neighbors.
An Extra Set of Eyes
Knowing your neighbors can significantly improve the safety and security of your rental properties. Neighbors, especially the nosy ones, keep an eye out for unusual activities or suspicious individuals, acting as an additional layer of vigilance for your investment By building relationships with neighbors, landlords can establish a network of trust and communication that helps prevent crime and creates an easy line of communication should an incident occur. Neighbors are also valuable sources of information about the condition of your rental properties They can alert you to maintenance issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as leaking pipes, overgrown yards, or unauthorized occupants. This can save you time and money by alerting you to problems before they escalate into more significant issues that could potentially affect property value or the ability to rent the property.
Positive Tenant and Community Relations
Every action you take tells the tenant how much you value them When you are familiar with the neighbors and community, your tenants see that you care about more than just the rent check and that their well-being is a priority. Increased tenant satisfaction leads to longer lease periods where they are more likely to renew their leases Additionally, knowing the neighbors allows landlords to address any concerns or complaints more effectively, demonstrating proactive management and a commitment to resolving issues promptly. A strong sense of community, where residents take pride in their surroundings, benefits everyone involved, from landlords and tenants to neighbors themselves.
Practical Steps for Landlords
To effectively get to know the neighbors of your rental properties, consider the following practical steps:
1 Introduce Yourself: Take the initiative to introduce yourself to neighboring residents A friendly conversation can go a long way in establishing rapport and building trust. Leave behind your contact information. Neighbors are a great source for referrals as well and just might help you find your next tenant
2.Attend Community Events: Participate in neighborhood events or meetings to connect with residents and stay informed about local issues and developments.
3 Establish Communication Channels: Provide neighbors with contact information and encourage them to reach out if they notice any concerns related to your properties.
4.Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where neighbors feel comfortable sharing feedback or reporting incidents, ensuring prompt and respectful responses from you or your team.
One Good Investment Deserves Another
Knowing the neighbors of the properties you own is more than just a good practice, it’s an investment in creating safer, more vibrant communities. By building relationships with neighbors, landlords can enhance security, monitor property conditions, foster positive tenant relations, and mitigate potential risks. These efforts not only benefit your investment but also contribute to a sense of belonging and mutual support among residents. Ultimately, landlords who prioritize neighborly engagement are likely to see greater tenant satisfaction, reduced turnover, and increased long-term value in their rental properties
Scot Aubrey is Vice-President of Rent Perfect, a private investigator, and fellow landlord who manages short-term rentals Subscribe to the weekly Rent Perfect Podcast (available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts) to stay up to date on the latest industry news and for expert tips on how to manage your properties
Members of National REIA can take advantage of special pricing from RentPerfect; the solution for rental property owners and managers for screening & managing tenants Learn more by clicking here
National Benefit of the Month
ODORXIT
If you ’ ve ever flipped a house or bought & sold property you have undoubtedly run into a “stink” along the way that you struggled to get rid of. Whether it was from a long-gone mystery pet or maybe an unplugged freezer, it seems everyone has a story.
That’s where OdorXit steps in. You name the odor; and they have a product that can safely eliminate it. Their products are not just a cover up but eliminate the odor at the source. They are safe to use around people, pets and the planet as well as being easy on your bottom-line. In other words, you’ll replace a whole lot less flooring, concrete tile and grout in your properties which keeps your rehab costs much lower.
REIA Member get 25% off when you use discount code NREIA25. You work too hard to give up your profits to odors! Get OdorXit Products at a discount and get full price for your listings and rentals!
SAVE 25% WITH CODE NREIA25
Tool of the Month
Real Estate at your fingertips Unlock your full potential and build wealth with the platform that gives you the power of real estate Driving for dollars is a real estate investment technique where investors drive through neighborhoods, looking for properties that appear to be vacant, distressed, or in need of repair By focusing on these types of properties, investors can potentially find good deals and maximize their investment returns.
DealMachine automatically logs your location every time you hit the road, so you can easily view your past routes on a map and avoid driving the same route twice. Plus - you can even plan your route ahead of time-based on customized criteria and receive step-by-step navigation to every nearby property that matches your search.
HUD Orders Housing Authorities to Verify Citizenship
BY: BRAD BECKETT, REALESTATEINVESTINGTODAY.COM
In late January the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ordered public housing authorities on to conduct immediate citizenship verification” for all tenants in HUD-Funded Housing Nationwide According to their release, HUD discovered nearly 200k tenants requiring eligibility verification, nearly 25k,deceased tenants, and nearly 6k,ineligible non-American tenants Below are excerpts of that release:
HUD announced that all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and owners participating in HUD-funded housing have 30 days to take corrective action to address these findings.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” said Secretary Scott Turner “We are proud to collaborate with DHS to execute on the President’s agenda of rooting out abuse of taxpayer funded resources Ineligible non-citizens have no place to receive welfare benefits With this new directive and audit, HUD is putting new processes in place to safeguard taxpayer resources and put the American people first”
Within the next 30 days, PHAs and owners must review their EIVSAVE Tenant Match Report, verify that they have accurately reported individuals’ citizenship or immigration status to determine eligibility, and initiate corrective actions PHAs and owners who fail to comply with the established requirements will be subject to sanctions HUD will recapture funding for payments made on behalf of ineligible and deceased tenants.