This episode focuses on housing neglect and lack of enforcement in Cleveland Heights, and how it’s impacting property values and neighborhood stability.

We discuss the inconsistency in city response—highlighting areas like Fernway where issues are addressed quickly, versus other neighborhoods where violations are largely ignored.

A major theme is the normalization of neglect (“defining deviancy down”), with repeat-offender landlords facing little consequence. Roughly 400 distressed properties were identified, with about 100 tied to just five landlords.

The episode introduces RATH, an action-driven group modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Unlike traditional nonprofits, RATH focuses on enforcement—identifying problem properties, contacting owners, and pursuing legal action when necessary (including financial claims for property value impact).

We also emphasize resident involvement—giving homeowners tools and support to take action when the city fails to respond—and explore solutions like proactive “house policing,” fines, and stricter accountability for both landlords and tenants.

Overall, the conversation is a call to restore standards, protect property values, and end the cycle of neglect at the neighborhood level.

[1:10] Mike introduces Project RATH and explains the overall objective and strategy behind the deal.

[5:05] The group discusses the planning process, including how they evaluate opportunities and structure projects for long-term success.

[9:30] They break down key decisions involved in execution, including budgeting, timelines, and managing risk.

[15:10] The conversation shifts to challenges encountered during the project and how they adapt their strategy when things don’t go as planned.

[22:40] They discuss lessons learned from Project RATH and how investors can apply similar thinking to their own deals.

If you run your own business or work directly with clients, understanding how to sell is one of the most important skills you can develop. In today’s episode, Mike, Brook, and Mac break down what effective sales really looks like—from building rapport and listening to customers, to identifying decision makers and overcoming objections. They also discuss how confidence, preparation, and genuine communication can help turn everyday conversations into long-term business relationships. All this and more on the Cleveland Real Estate Investor Podcast.

[3:10] Mike introduces the topic of sales and explains why selling should not be viewed negatively, emphasizing that strong sales skills help build long-term customer relationships.

[11:20] Mike compares sales to investigative journalism, explaining that great salespeople ask questions, listen carefully, and uncover the real problem before offering solutions.

[20:05] Mike explains the concept that “the customer is not the foreman,” and how professionals must provide expertise instead of letting customers dictate the solution.

[31:40] Brook discusses the importance of listening more than talking in sales and how customers can sense anxiety when a salesperson over-explains or tries too hard.

[43:50] The group wraps up with advice for sales professionals—build confidence, focus on relationships, and remember that even if you don’t close the sale, you can still build a connection. 

Mike and Lindsey discuss the growing saturation in the short-term rental market and why some older rental strategies are becoming less reliable. They explain how strong relationships, good property maintenance, amenities, and fast communication help keep rentals booked and successful.

0:30 Mike and Lindsey discuss how the short-term rental market has become saturated as more investors jump into Airbnb hosting.

2:15 Mike explains why older rental strategies like housing college students or traveling nurses are becoming less reliable due to new housing developments.

4:00 Lindsey highlights how strong relationships with corporate housing companies and insurance adjusters help keep their rentals occupied.

6:00 Mike breaks down what separates successful short-term rentals from failing ones, including property maintenance, amenities, and professional presentation.

9:15 They emphasize the importance of fast response times, strong marketing, and building direct booking channels instead of relying only on Airbnb or other platforms.