Igor Mike Kajpust, president of Evolved Property Group, shares his REI journey which started at 17 years of age and spans across multiple states!

Igor breaks down his first few deals which includes an $800 land deal in Colorado and a distressed single family home in Indiana! He shares countless stories on auction properties, cold calling, and learning the process of wholesaling to create deal flow. Igor explains mistakes made on buying deals with quit claim deeds and due diligence. He gets granular on how he gained lead generation momentum through PPC, SEO, and various other real estate marketing strategies which propelled his business. Through the show, Igor shares entertaining stories that exemplify how taking massive action is the key to success in REI!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

=============

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Igor Mike Kajpust, Evolved Property Group

Link: Igor's Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 166 - J Scott

Link: ilFLS Website

Guest Questions:

01:35 Housing Provider Tip - Account for expenses related to lead plumbing lines when purchasing older buildings.

02:57 Intro to our guest, Igor Mike Kajpust!

04:52 Getting scrappy to find the first few deals.

19:00 Learning the process of wholesaling.

26:48 Transitioning to flipping properties.

35:01 Improving business processes and efficiency.

37:03 Building a rental portfolio in Chicago.

40:21 Distressed property horror stories!

47:45 Jumping into private lending in Chicago.

51:37 How to navigate the auction process.

57:57 What is your competitive advantage?

58:25 One piece of advice for new investors.

59:24 What do you do for fun?

59:57 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

60:35 Local Network Recommendation?

61:00 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

What do real estate investors need to know about the Big Beautiful Bill?

=============

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Guest: Aaron Zimmerman, Brick House CPAs

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.

Alderman Bennett Lawson discusses historical developments in his 44th Ward and how that success can be applied across the City of Chicago!

Alderman Lawson jumps right in by explaining the successful development in Wrigleyville including partnering with the Ricketts family! He breaks down successful developments including Advocate Masonic Hospital in Lakeview and across the 44th Ward. Alderman Lawson gives practical advice for developers to help increase the chance of having aldermanic support on potential projects! He dives deep on the ADU Pilot Program, its city wide expansion, and how it can best be leveraged to bring much needed housing supply to the city. This show is full of golden insights on Zoning and Development that you won't want to miss!

If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content!

=============

Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement

Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com

=============

Guest: Alderman Bennett Lawson, City of Chicago 44th Ward

Link: Alderman Lawson's Instagram

Link: Chicago ADU Program

Link: Chicago's Great Fire (Book Recommendation)

Link: Tom Moore (Zoning Attorney)

Guest Questions:

01:55 Housing Provider Tip - Leverage rent payment services to allow tenants to build their credit history!

03:38 Intro to our guest, Alderman Lawson!

10:55 The development history of Wrigleyville!

18:20 Previous developments in the 44th Ward.

23:30 Advice for developers seeking support from aldermen.

27:18 The background of the Chicago ADU Program!

31:41 Lessons learned from the ADU Pilot Program.

44:08 Potential solutions for the housing supply issue.

48:50 What is your competitive advantage?

49:11 One piece of advice for new investors.

49:35 What do you do for fun?

49:48 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:48 Local Network Recommendation?

51:15 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.