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.

If you or a loved one is coming to Cleveland for medical treatment, finding the right place to stay can make a difficult time much easier. In today's episode, Mike and Lindsey walkthrough what families should look for when booking housing near the Cleveland Clinic, including proximity, safety, first floor setups, pet friendly options, and why having flexible, supportive hosts matters when recovery timelines are uncertain. All this and more on the Cleveland Real Estate Investor Podcast.
0:50 Mike opens by explaining why Cleveland is a world-class destination for medical care and what families should consider when booking housing for hospital stays.
3:40 They break down the importance of proximity, safety, and quiet neighborhoods — plus why Airbnb-style stays work better than hotels for caregivers and visitors.
7:20 Lindsey talks about pet-friendly housing, nearby grocery access, delivery options, and how location impacts comfort during long recoveries.
11:45 Mike introduces their hospital-focused properties, highlighting first-floor setups, accessibility, and why the Carriage House is designed specifically for outpatient recovery.
18:30 The episode wraps with flexibility in length of stay, customized housing needs, and why Mike and Lindsey aim to act like “extended family” during uncertain recovery timelines.

If you own rental property, your property manager might be the most important person on your team. In today's episode, Mike and Lindsay explain what separates great property managers from terrible ones, covering responsiveness, winter preparation, tenant screening, and why being proactive can save you thousands as a real estate investor. All this and more on the Cleveland Real Estate Investor Podcast.
0:45 Mike and Lindsey kick things off by explaining why responsiveness and proactivity are the two most important traits of any property manager.
4:10 They break down winter preparedness — including shutting off water, checking vacant homes, and avoiding frozen pipes during Cleveland’s extreme cold.
9:20 Mike explains why tenant screening matters, covering background checks, credit reports, and common red flags like “working on my credit.”
14:40 The conversation shifts to verifying tenant history, calling previous landlords, and physically checking how applicants care for their current homes.
20:30 Mike and Lindsey wrap up with tough-love advice for landlords — why your property manager should be your shield, and when it’s time to fire them.

Mike, Brook and A'marri discuss their new process for hiring as well as learning lessons from the past, how people spend all their time looking for jobs instead of working them, how hiring is a stress tester for your managers as well as a quick journey into the similarities between managing and being a father.
1:15 Mike introduces the concept of “time wasters” and how they show up in business—especially in hiring, partnerships, and communication.
5:30 Brook talks about how vague job interviews and non-committal communication are early red flags when hiring or delegating tasks.
10:45 A’marri shares a personal experience with a job candidate who failed to follow up, stressing the importance of action over talk.
14:20 Mike outlines the “Four Filters” they use in their hiring process to quickly weed out unreliable applicants.
20:05 The team emphasizes that time is more valuable than money—and learning to protect it is one of the most important business skills you can build.

Mike, Brook, and A’marri break down the hidden costs of Cleveland investment properties—how out-of-town buyers often underestimate rehab budgets, the importance of neighborhood quality, and why working with the right team prevents costly mistakes.
1:00 Mike shares a story about an out-of-town investor who underestimated repairs by nearly $100K.
2:30 The team explains how to calculate the true value of a property by factoring in rehab costs before buying.
5:00 Brook emphasizes the importance of choosing the right neighborhood and knowing realistic comps.