Best Tenant Screening Podcasts (2026)

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Trump Blocks AI Regulations as States Target Rent Pricing 11:52

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4h ago11:52

11:52

States across the U.S. are moving to regulate AI in housing—and it’s creating serious uncertainty for landlords. In this episode of Landlord Lens, we break down Trump’s AI moratorium, the DOJ’s new AI litigation task force, and what it all means for rent pricing, compliance, and risk—especially as states target algorithmic pricing tools like RealPa…

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Episode 423: Fire, Squatters, and Drugs! When Your $100k Chicago Investment Goes To Zero with Jonathan Klemm 59:10

4h ago59:10

59:10

Jonathan Klemm of Quality Builders returns to discuss refinements in his General Contracting business and investment strategy since his last appearance! Jonathan starts by explaining partnership pitfalls to avoid based on recent changes within his business. He gets vulnerable by discussing a multifamily investment on Chicago's southside that involv…

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Episode 422: Mark Ainley Shares Why He's Excited for Chicago's 2026 Market 8:32

9h ago8:32

8:32

Is now a good time for me to purchase in Chicago? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Guest: Mark Ainley, Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? W…

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Episode 421: Alec Greenberg Scales to Chicago Multifamily from Day 1 58:12

9h ago58:12

58:12

Alec Greenberg is the Principal of Base 3 Development and has vast experience developing and stabilizing multifamily assets! Alec explains how he transitioned from the corporate real estate world to a more entrepreneurial position at Base 3 Development. He describes how he "stretched" out of his comfort zone by jumping into a 6-unit gut rehab proje…

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Episode 420: The Chicago Permitting Process with Tom Shallcross 45:48

7d ago45:48

45:48

SUCI Podcast Co-Host Tom Shallcross is today's special guest and breaks down everything you need to know about architectural plans and permits in Chicago! Tom discusses when you need plans and permits for a project and when it's appropriate to engage an architect. He shares the best way to optimize timelines to ensure your plans and permits get app…

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Episode 419: What You Need to Know to Determine Section 8 Rental Amounts With Mark Ainley 12:50

9d ago12:50

12:50

How do I navigate the rent determination process for Section 8 applicants in Chicagoland? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Guest: Mark Ainley, Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChi…

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Episode 418: Zeke McDonald-Lewis Reviews Cook County Eviction Process for Chicago Landlords 1:00:40

14d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Zeke McDonald-Lewis is an attorney at Erwin Law who specializes in real estate evictions and civil litigation! Zeke starts by breaking down the first steps in handling a non-paying tenant including the appropriate steps for delivering a 5-day notice. He gets granular on the eviction process timeline and dos/don'ts to avoid delaying the process. Zek…

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Episode 417: 4 Chicago Companies, 800 Doors, & 20 Years! Here's What Actually Worked with Niko Apostal 1:07:08

26d ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Niko Apostal, founder of Niko Collaborative and managing broker at Essex 312, joins us to share his expertise in real estate brokerage with a focus on 2-4 unit buildings! Niko starts by explaining how he got his real estate business off the ground in the early 2000s and survived the real estate crash! He provides practical tips for anyone looking t…

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Episode 416: Mark Ainley Explains Three Red Flags When Screening Tenants 12:02

23d ago12:02

12:02

How do I protect myself against potential tenant screening scams? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Guest: Mark Ainley, Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] H…

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Denver Might Raise Landlord Fines to $5,000 — What You Need to Know 8:59

1M ago8:59

8:59

Denver is considering raising the maximum fine for unlicensed rentals from $1,000 to $5,000. In this episode, we break down why the city wants the increase, how many landlords are still unlicensed, and what the data shows about enforcement since the rental license requirement began in 2023. We cover how the current system works, why thousands of pr…

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Episode 415: Lawrence Dunning Breaks Down Chicago Neighborhoods and New Construction 3 Flats 59:11

1M ago59:11

59:11

Lawrence starts by explaining how he found his business niche and lessons learned from working with successful developers. He gets granular on his geographical areas of focus and on understanding risks when developing product that will set the top comparable in a neighborhood. Lawrence provides a great take on his top Chicago neighborhoods for upsi…

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Why Healthcare Costs Just Became a Landlord Problem 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

Millions of renters are about to get squeezed not by rent prices, but by healthcare costs. The federal government reopened without extending enhanced ACA subsidies, and that decision directly affects renters’ financial stability. Since renters are already three times more likely to be uninsured than homeowners, even small changes to ACA subsidies c…

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Episode 414: Mark Ainley Breaks Down Chicago Suburb Rental License Must Knows 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

SUCI Co-Host Mark Ainley is back in the hot seat to share insights on being an apartment operator in Chicagoland Villages and Suburbs! Mark jumps right in by giving a bit of history on why rental licenses were originally introduced. He gets granular on various village requirements for rentals including smoke detectors, GFCIs, and hot water heaters.…

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Episode 413: Cost Seg Deadlines and Utilizing the Phased Approach with Cost Seg Kev 15:46

1M ago15:46

15:46

When do I have to have my cost segregation done to ensure it is good for my 2025 taxes? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Guest: Cost Seg Kev from CSSI Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a…

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Trump's 50-Year Mortgage Plan Is Absolutely Insane 5:56

2M ago5:56

5:56

The housing market just got hit with one of the most bizarre proposals we’ve seen in years: a 50-year mortgage plan pushed as a “solution” to affordability. But does stretching debt across half a century actually help buyers… or does it quietly push home prices even higher while trapping people in decades of interest? In this video, we break down: …

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Episode 412: Luke Helliker Leverages the ADU Process & Learns Many Lessons 1:13:42

1M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Luke Helliker is a buy and hold real estate investor that has leveraged networking, house hacking, and value-add strategies to build a successful portfolio. Luke kicks things off by sharing how he acquired his first house hack and provides insights on the ADU process that he used to add a third legal unit. He lays out top considerations when conver…

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Mortgage Rates Hit 1 Year Low! What You Need to Know 9:27

2M ago9:27

9:27

The Federal Reserve just cut rates, and mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly a year. But what does that actually mean for landlords, investors, and anyone thinking about buying a rental property right now? On this episode of The Landlord Lens, John and Seamus break down how much this rate drop really affects affordability, c…

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Episode 411: Shawn Good Creates Opportunity with Off Market Deals 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

Shawn Good is a seasoned attorney and real estate investor with vast experience acquiring and stabilizing off-market real estate. Shawn kicks things off by discussing his first few deals which included a condo and an 8-unit building. He shares some funny stories on unfair partnerships he's been a part of and important points on due diligence when a…

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Episode 410: How to Make Your Offer More Attractive to Sellers with Mark Ainley and Tom Shallcross 18:35

2M ago18:35

18:35

What the different ways I can adjust my offer to make it more attractive? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and …

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Phrogging Nightmare: I Found Someone Living in My Attic 7:51

2M ago7:51

7:51

What would you do if you discovered a stranger secretly living in your home? This is the shocking true story of a phrogging nightmare, when someone was found secretly living in a family’s attic without their knowledge. “Phrogging” refers to the terrifying phenomenon of people hiding and living in other people’s houses — sometimes for days, sometime…

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Episode 409: How to Generate Direct to Seller Off-Market Deals with Eli Goodman 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

Eli Goodman of Illinois Real Estate Buyers gives the complete playbook on dealing directly with sellers to acquire off-market deals! Eli starts with explaining the grind it took to get his wholesaling off the ground! He discusses the right way to communicate with distressed sellers to create win-win scenarios and also throws in a few horror stories…

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Will Zohran Mamdani’s Housing Plan Fix or Break New York City? 14:09

2M ago14:09

14:09

Zohran Mamdani’s new proposal to freeze rent across New York City has landlords, tenants, and economists all asking the same question — what happens next? In this episode of Landlord Lens, we break down the truth behind Mamdani’s “Rent Freeze Act.” Could it actually protect tenants, or will it crush small landlords, stall development, and make the …

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Episode 408: Chicago Suburb Land Development with Jim Paul 1:04:48

2M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Jim Paul, Director of the ALPS Group, has over 2 decades of experience in land development and receivership. Jim jumps right in by discussing an early 21-acre land development deal and the hurdles he dealt with there! He breaks down his Tuscan Hills and Canterbury Lakes projects - residential developments in Will County, IL. Jim explains how to get…

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Episode 407: How to Take Advantage of the Different Zoning Labels in Chicago 20:07

2M ago20:07

20:07

What are the differences between R2, R3, R4, and R5 zoning? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back …

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Goverment Shutdown 2025: Will Section 8 Survive? 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

With the looming 2025 government shutdown threatening millions of Americans, one question stands out: what happens to Section 8? In this episode of Landlord Lens, we break down exactly how a shutdown could disrupt housing assistance, voucher payments, and landlord reimbursements across the country. We’ll look at the chain reaction that happens when…

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Episode 406: How to Quit Your W2 After 1 House Hack with Moises Correa 1:03:08

3M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Moises Correa, Principal of Proximo Equity Group, leads a team that specializes in value-add multifamily real estate across the Midwest. Moises provides the ins and outs of his first couple house hacks in Avondale and how he burned the boats and left his W2 job after the first one! He explains how he formed partnerships to purchase a large multifam…

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Airbnb, Mid-Terms, or Long-Terms? The Surprising 2025 Winners & Losers 31:58

3M ago31:58

31:58

Thinking about short-term rentals, mid-term stays, or sticking with long-term tenants in 2025? In this episode of Landlord Lens, John sits down with Ryan Saylor from Beyond Pricing(Now Beyond)to break down the latest rental market trends and what landlords need to know to maximize returns. Ryan brings years of experience helping operators—from sing…

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Episode 405: $1 Billion in Real Estate Sales with Chicago Podcaster Joe Smazal 1:05:37

3M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Joe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner of Interra Realty, has over a decade of experience selling mid-market apartment buildings and recently surpassed $1 Billion in transaction volume! Joe kicks things off by sharing the genesis and overview of his "Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast"! He reflects on his career's progression and highlights that have l…

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Episode 404: Lending Options For Non-Owner Occupied Investors With Chris Puleo 11:32

3M ago11:32

11:32

What are my lending options for a non-owner occupied investor? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you ba…

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Denver's Ghost Tax: Will Empty Rentals Cost Landlords Big 9:14

3M ago9:14

9:14

Denver is considering a brand-new “Vacancy Tax,” also being called a “Ghost Tax,” aimed directly at landlords who leave their rentals empty. The idea is simple: if you keep a property vacant for too long, the city wants to charge you a fee. Supporters say it will push landlords to lower rents and bring more housing to market. Critics warn it could …

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Episode 403: Saving & Grinding Gets You "4" Properties Before 21 with Lantz Kurzawinski 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

Lantz Kurzawinski, Marketing Specialist for the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, tells his story of grinding to succeed in real estate at an early age. Lantz explains how he recognized his entrepreneurial spirit at an early age and decided to dive into real estate. He shares his experience as a leasing agent and how that led him to discover hi…

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Landlord Says Rentals Should Come With NOTHING - Is He Right? 12:32

3M ago12:32

12:32

Some landlords say rentals should come with NOTHING, no garbage disposals, no ceiling fans, no extras at all. Just canned lights, a refrigerator, and an oven. Their reason? Everything else breaks. But is that the smart move… or a huge mistake? In this video, we break down the argument, what it means for landlords and tenants, and whether “bare bone…

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Episode 402: Looking At Chicago Investing Differently with Jason Wagner 1:01:02

3M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Jason shares why he chose to invest in Chicago's northwest side and how he's achieved success in that area. He breaks down assumable loans and 2-1 buydowns including how these tools can be leveraged to improve an asset's ROI! Jason discusses the power of the data he compiles in the Wagner Report and how investors can utilize it for a competitive ed…

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Episode 401: Interest Rates Are Coming Down According to Chris Puleo 13:21

3M ago13:21

13:21

Chris Puleo lays out tangible reasons why he feels interest rates will be coming down in the upcoming future. ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy…

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Trump Might Declare a National Housing EMERGENCY 7:29

3M ago7:29

7:29

Could Donald Trump really declare a National Housing Emergency? With housing costs at record highs and millions of Americans priced out of the market, this shocking move could change everything. From sky-high mortgage rates to rent hikes and the ongoing affordability crisis, the idea of a “housing emergency” isn’t just political theater—it could re…

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Episode 400: The Proven Way To Break Down Chicago Real Estate Investing with Kevin Rocio 1:01:24

3M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Kevin Rocio, founder of ROC Advisory Group, is an award winning commercial real estate broker, mentor, and investor. Kevin shares how he built a business and sphere of influence in the mortgage lending industry. He discusses his start in commercial real estate and gets granular on various valuation metrics. Kevin talks about the rapid growth of his…

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Episode 399: Finding Properties Today: The Guide to Cash Flowing Deals with Micah White 1:05:07

4M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Micah White is a real estate coach with a proven track record of finding cash flowing real estate with great ROI! Micah starts by explaining the ins and outs of his first couple house hacks in Logan Square and North Lawndale. He provides great pointers on proper due diligence to mitigate risk on an investment. Micah shares a hilarious DIY story; mo…

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From Firefighter to Real Estate Millions — Dave Seymour’s Story 37:51

4M ago37:51

37:51

Dave Seymour went from being a Boston firefighter working 120 hours a week and on the verge of losing everything… to becoming a nationally recognized real estate investor, star of Flipping Boston, and founder of Legacy Alliance. In this episode of Landlord Lens, Dave shares how he turned financial desperation into financial freedom, and the exact r…

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Episode 398: House Hacking Your Way to Lasting Wealth with Paul de Luca 53:20

4M ago53:20

53:20

Paul de Luca of The Axon Group joins us to provide great insights on leveraging house hacking to grow a portfolio and how to succeed as an investor-friendly real estate agent! Paul jumps right into the nitty gritty of his first couple house hack deals! He gives tips on getting off the ground as a new real estate agent and the 101 on Chicago non-con…

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Episode 397: When Should You File an Insurance Claim and What Are the "Do's" and "Don'ts" When Filing an Insurance Claim on Your Property? 21:14

4M ago21:14

21:14

What are the "do's" and "don'ts" when filing an insurance claim? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you …

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Episode 396: Buying, Building, and Adding Value in Self Storage with Fernando Angelucci 1:08:56

4M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

Fernando Angelucci returns to the podcast to explain how he has rapidly grown his self storage business and the drivers behind increasing self storage demand! Fernando explains his marketing strategy to optimize deal flow despite the low inventory environment. He delves deep into the underwriting and feasibility studies performed on self storage in…

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009: Establishing a Successful Relationship With Your Property Manager 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

Join us as we talk about unlocking the secrets to a stress-free rental experience in this episode. Whether you're a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, gain valuable insights on establishing a successful relationship with your property manager. Learn how to set clear boundaries, communicate effectively, and create a harmonious partnership t…

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Episode 395: Chicago Property Management and Leasing Best Practices with Max Motew 1:07:14

4M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Max Motew, Director of Leasing at Mo2 Properties, joins us to share great insights on acquiring, renovating, and stabilizing small multifamily properties in Chicago's north side! Max jumps right in by sharing top considerations when renovating Chicago landmarked properties! He talks about the importance of knowing your market to accurately project …

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Episode 394: The Legal Nuances of Different Real Estate Partnership Structures 13:19

4M ago13:19

13:19

What do investors need to consider from a legal perspective when setting up new partnerships? ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place y…

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What Most Landlords Get Wrong About Raising Rent! 9:25

5M ago9:25

9:25

Raising rent doesn’t have to mean losing great tenants. In this video, we share proven strategies for increasing rent while keeping reliable renters happy. Learn how to time your rent increase, communicate it clearly, and add value so tenants stay. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned property manager, these tips will help you boost r…

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Episode 393: Chicago Veterans' Guide to Real Estate Success with DuBois Toy 1:01:28

4M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

DuBois Toy is a seasoned real estate investor, veteran, and cybersecurity analyst who has a passion for helping veterans maximize their real estate benefits! DuBois kicks things off by discussing his start in real estate which involved a house hack and dealing with an eviction! He breaks down the rent-by-the-room strategy as a tool to maximize ROI.…

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008: Making the Right Moves as a Rookie Landlord 8:06

5M ago8:06

8:06

Join us as we share important tips for rookie landlords to navigate the world of property management with confidence. Find out how to avoid common pitfalls by treating your rental property as a serious business and implementing effective tenant screening, solid lease agreements, and timely maintenance. We highlight the importance of building a reli…

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DIY vs Corporate Landlords: Who Actually Treats Renters Better? 9:41

5M ago9:41

9:41

Think corporate landlords give you better service? Think again. In this video, we break down the real differences between DIY landlords and corporate giants. Rent hikes, fees, maintenance, and how they actually treat their tenants. The answer to “Who’s better for renters?” might shock you. Whether you’re a renter, landlord, or just curious about th…

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Episode 392: Cost Seg Kev Explains How Chicago Rehabbers Can Be Saving Tens Of Thousands Dollars 51:16

5M ago51:16

51:16

Kevin Cawley, aka Cost Seg Kev, is a Senior Account Executive at CSSI Services - a firm with over 55,000 cost segregation studies completed since 2003. Cost Seg Kev starts by reviewing the 101 on cost segregation and how it can be used to offset your tax liability. He dives into the benefits of real estate professional status and recent tax code ch…

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Episode 391: Do You Have a Business Continuation Plan? 9:08

5M ago9:08

9:08

Josh Steigelmann explains the importance of a business continuation plan and provides step-by-step guidance on how investors can set-up a business continuation plan ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Em…