Michael Kaplan is a real estate broker and investor who has grinded to become a top broker at 24 years of age!

Michael starts by explaining how he realized that college was not for him and pivoted to an entrepreneurial route in real estate! He explains the mindset required to start real estate investing and how he was able to acquire a 4-unit property in McHenry. Michael gets granular on how providing top tier service in leasing allowed him to get referral business which led to the creation of his team, the REKAP Group. Throughout the show, Micheal emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic and transparency to gain the trust of potential clients and propel your business’ growth.

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

Guest: Michael Kaplan, The REKAP Group

Link: Michael's Instagram (@M.J.Kaplan)

Link: The REKAP Group's Instagram (@RekapGroup)

Guest Questions

03:31 Housing Provider Tip - Keep space heaters handy to be prepared for No Heat situations in winter!

05:00 Intro to our guest, Michael Kaplan!

12:13 Grinding as a newly licensed broker.

25:05 The mindset to start investing in real estate!

31:37 Micheal’s first investment in McHenry.

37:47 Starting the REKAP Group!

42:53 What would Michael change in his RE journey so far?

46:14 What is your competitive advantage?

47:12 One piece of advice for new investors.

48:17 What do you do for fun?

49:24 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

50:26 Local Network Recommendation?

50:43 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.

What's Different in Today's Lending Environment and How do Chicago Investors Capitalize?

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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

Guest: Eric Workman of Renovo Financial

Link: Workman Lending Team - Renovo Financial - Real Estate Investment Loans

Link: Build Your Team | Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.

Erik Swanson, owner of Fernweh Property Group, explains how he’s developed a track record with investors that has allowed him to build a Tap Room business and an impressive real estate portfolio!

Erik starts with very cool stories about his days in the music industry including working alongside some legendary bands! He dives into his first couple real estate deals including a FHA 203k loan and an intense story about a drive-by shooting at one of his properties! Erik discusses how he raised money to start an innovative, self-pour Tap Room business and emphasizes the importance of building a track record to raise money. He shares keys to growth in real estate and explains how he runs his businesses all while traveling across the world on a regular basis!

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

Guest: Erik Swanson, Fernweh Property Group

Link: Erik Swanson's LinkedIn

Link: Eric Workman (Network Referral)

Guest Questions

04:24 Intro to our guest, Erik Swanson!

09:58 Transitioning from the music industry to real estate!

15:28 Drive-by shooting at Erik’s 5-unit building.

18:16 Lessons learned from rehab projects.

20:35 Starting a self pour tap room during COVID!

30:11 Erik’s keys to explosive growth in real estate.

37:36 Reputation building to raise money.

41:57 What’s next for Erik?!

49:12 What is your competitive advantage?

49:50 One piece of advice for new investors.

50:36 What do you do for fun?

50:50 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

51:33 Local Network Recommendation?

52:23 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.