The Cleveland Real Estate Investor

Mike, Brook, A'marri and Liam talk about Cleveland Heights' backward approach to housing, which involves placing new apartments directly among neglected properties. [1:45] A’marri explains the “rose in the desert” idea, saying new development can’t succeed when surrounded by vacant houses and neglected properties. [7:15] Brook compares Van Aken to Cleveland Heights, explaining how clean,...

[1:15] Mike explains Project RATH, how it targets bad housing, and the recent progress made on Randolph Road. [5:30] Mike points investors toward the Blanche Taylor area and explains why neighborhood cleanup could create property value upside. [8:45] Mike discusses future neighborhood opportunities, including partnerships, local business improvements, and the Medusa Building. [16:30] A’marri expla...

[1:00] Mike introduces the importance of real estate consultations for out-of-state investors looking to understand the Cleveland market before buying. [7:00] Mike explains how their team helps investors identify the right areas, inspect properties, and estimate repair costs before making decisions. [11:15] Mike introduces Project RATH and explains how it focuses on organizing neighborhoods to add...

Mike took over the conversation before I could finish introducing the topic. There's a bit towards the middle where I properly introduce what we will be discussing that needs to be moved to the front. [0:45] Mike introduces the Project RATH update with A’marri and Liam, focusing on vacant homes, neighborhood development, and opportunities for investors and first-time buyers. [7:00] Mike and A...

[0:45] Mike opens the discussion by connecting Cleveland Heights’ biggest issues — vacant homes, potholes, crime, and lack of retail — back to housing. [4:00] Mike criticizes point-of-sale inspections and argues the city should focus more on neglected properties, enforcement, and real cleanup. [6:30] The conversation shifts to Severance, with Mike and Alex discussing solar power, modular housing,...

Brook, Mike and A'marri talk RATH, reactions from the City and how we plan to turn these neglected houses around. Only use first half of recording and stop when Mike says that the podcast section is done. Should include none of the meeting after where we talk about Brook's week next week and more specific work items. [1:00] Mike introduces the latest Project RATH developments and explain...

[1:45] Mike introduces the topic of AI and ChatGPT, then asks A’marri how he uses it for everyday problem-solving and work situations. [4:30] Brook shares how he uses ChatGPT personally and professionally, including workout planning, communication help, and financial schedules. [8:00] Mike compares AI to the early days of computers and explains why small businesses should treat ChatGPT like an adm...

Sophie joins the podcast to talk about the different profiles of properties that sit vacant for years in Cleveland Heights. [1:30] Mike asks Sophie for her take on Project RATH, and she explains how vacant and neglected properties affect neighborhoods, property values, and community pride. [5:15] Brook and Sophie discuss estate situations, out-of-town family members, financial trouble, and other r...

Our realtor, Sophie joins the podcast to talk about selling the Fairmount Mansion [0:45] Mike introduces the upcoming sale of the Fairmont Mansion and frames it as a unique high-end property that needs a clear selling strategy. [1:30] Sophie explains why the mansion’s woodwork and historic details should be highlighted, including the option to virtually remove furniture from listing photos. [5:00]...

[1:45] Mike and Brook open the episode by discussing year-end cash flow, payroll, bonuses, and the importance of knowing where the money went. [4:15] Mike explains how investors should test their revenue models and track whether short-term rentals are actually hitting their income goals. [8:00] Mike shares the “Job 300” story, showing how hidden labor overages can quietly destroy profitability. [1...

[1:00] Mike opens the episode by explaining why the start of the year is the time to review what worked, what didn’t, and whether your business or properties truly made money. [6:30] Brook breaks down the importance of tracking every expense, using spreadsheets, and reviewing property performance honestly instead of guessing. [14:30] A’marri shares a Jerry Seinfeld example about discipline, persis...

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 do...

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 com...

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 Ai...

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 rec...

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...

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...

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 valu...

Mike and Brook revisit the topic of micro-targeting investment properties, a discussion first explored pre-COVID. They dive into the key indicators that determine whether a neighborhood is on the rise, in decline, or holding steady. From analyzing vacancy rates to spotting investment opportunities near high-demand areas, they break down the signals that real estate investors should pay attention t...

Mike, Lindsey, and Travis walk through their detailed checklist for turning a vacant property into a ready-to-rent short-term rental. From cleaning and maintenance to communication with tenants and managing crew timelines, they share what it takes to make a successful property turnaround. 1:00 Lindsey explains why a long-vacant property needs extra cleaning and inspection compared to a quick turno...

Our new analyst Sophie, walking us through what the temperature of the current real estate market looks like and feels like. Also talks about the market settling down, interest rates, inventory being low... and more. 1:40 Sophie introduces herself as the new market analyst and shares her first impressions of the Cleveland real estate market. 4:20 Mike and Sophie discuss how low inventory and stead...

Mike, Brook and A'marri talk about the mentality infecting a lot of Cleveland Heights residents that accepts the status quo and how the presence of Laura Hong who is running for mayor will hopefully shake things up. 1:30 Mike introduces the episode and explains why Cleveland Heights’ upcoming mayoral election is critical for local investors and property owners. 3:45 A’marri talks about the ap...

Mike, Brook and A'marri talk with Laura Hong, partner at Tucker Ellis law firm and attorney with nearly 40 years of uninterrupted trial experience defending class action, mass and toxic tort, product, and commercial litigation about her plans if she were to be elected for Mayor of Cleveland Heights. As this is the Cleveland Real Estate Investor podcast and we are Cleveland Heights residents,...

Brook, Mike, and A’marri discuss the productivity benefits of mid-day naps, workouts, and unplugging—plus how recharging can lead to better problem-solving in business and real estate. 1:00 Mike shares how business changes and legacy software led them to reimagine company systems—and why their new programmer is now required to nap. 3:30 Brook explains how his afternoon runs help reset his energy a...