If you’ve spent any time analyzing deals in the historic neighborhoods of West Allis or tracking property values across the South Side of Milwaukee, you already know that every house tells a story. For Milwaukee REIA Advisory Board Member Jeff Bertrandt, uncovering those hidden narratives is second nature—but his path to real estate investing looks a bit different than most.

Before dissecting local property data and managing construction timelines, Jeff spent over 20 years as a school teacher. His deep passion for history didn't just keep him in local classrooms; it took him across the globe. He had the distinct honor of working with world-renowned historic institutions, including the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

Today, he’s taking that same structural discipline, love for historical details, and global perspective and applying it directly to residential real estate right here in Greater Milwaukee.

Rebuilding With Purpose

For Jeff, real estate isn’t a passive hobby; it’s an active pursuit to build lasting flexibility and freedom. 

When analyzing his own portfolio, Jeff focuses heavily on two core wealth-building pillars: Buy & Hold (The BRRRR Method) and Wholesaling, with a hyper-focus on the South and West Sides of Milwaukee. His core motivation is rooted directly in his family.

Kesha’s core strategy is the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), wi ... Read More…

Real estate is about more than just property; it's about the people and the purpose behind the portfolio. This month, we are continuing our series to highlight the incredible people who make the Milwaukee REIA possible.

We are thrilled to feature Kesha Wilkinson, a dedicated member who perfectly balances a passion for "Active Starting" with a unique professional background in horticulture and holistic wellness.

The Strategy: Building with Purpose and Passion

For Kesha, real estate isn’t just a career; it’s a mission to restore the city she loves. She describes herself as an "Active Starter," currently navigating the 1–3 deal range while diligently building the systems that will scale her business.

Kesha’s core strategy is the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), with a hyper-focus on Milwaukee County. Her "why" is rooted in community standards and tenant advocacy:

"It breaks my heart to see the condition of MKE and how some landlords treat their tenants," Kesha shares. "I want to be a part of rebuilding my city and providing clean and safe housing."

Her "ideal deal" right now is specific and strategic: duplexes in the 53210 and 53216 zip codes. She looks for properties where she can tackle the big items—plumbing and electrical—rather than just a "lipstick" renovation. Her target is a total cost (purchase and rehab) of $200k for duplexes or $300k for 4-plexes, with a preference for the classic Mil ... Read More…

Real estate is about more than just property; it’s about the people and the purpose behind the portfolio. This month, we are kicking off a new series to highlight the incredible people who make the Milwaukee REIA possible. 
We are thrilled to feature Michelle Katalinick, a dedicated volunteer who perfectly balances a passion for "Active Starting" with a unique professional background.

The Strategy: Building with Purpose and Passion

For Michelle, real estate isn’t just a career; it’s a natural calling. She describes herself as someone who simply "loves property," especially the character found in older Milwaukee buildings.

"I love older places and thinking about all the possible updates. I think real estate is natural and it makes sense to me," 

Her strategy is a blend of specialized niches. She currently works with HUD buildings, provides funding for Fix and Flips, and partners with investors who prefer Section 8 housing. Her current "ideal deal" is a prime example of her mission-driven approach: a $110k inner-city property dedicated to room-by-room rentals for lower-income individuals.

"The purpose is to rent out each room to lower-income individuals. The partner I am working with has multiple of these houses, and we are working together for this house and future ones." 

The REIA Connection: Why Networking is a Team Sport

Michelle’s journey from her first "win" to her current success was paved by a realiz ... Read More…

If you don’t think that real estate investing is a relationship business, you haven’t been paying attention. 

It’s your connections with other investors that bring you the local knowledge, the referrals to the right professionals, the money, the partnerships, and the deals that let you prosper now, and for years to come.   

But these relationships don’t ‘just happen’ for most people. You have to be intentional about building and maintaining them, just like you’re intentional (I hope) about building a rental portfolio, or a buyer’s list, or a marketing plan.   

Cincinnati REIA exists, in large part, to provide a platform for you to find and interact with like-minded folks who can encourage and help you be successful, but you have to do your part, too. Here are some tips for the 95% of us who aren’t just natural ‘connectors’:  

1. Be intentional about your professional development. There’s no job you can have or business you can be in where your value isn’t enhanced by knowing more. 

And in real estate, that value comes in two forms: knowing more just flat out means you can do more deals and make more money but knowing more also means that you have more to offer to other your colleagues.    

Knowledge is one currency that you can share to get what you need from others, and it’s a way of offering value to other people. ... Read More…

As the chill of winter recedes and the warmth of spring emerges, the real estate market traditionally experiences a surge in activity. For investors, this season presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. To navigate the spring buying season effectively, consider the following strategies:

1. Understand the Seasonal Dynamics

Spring often brings an influx of properties to the market, driven by sellers aiming to capitalize on increased buyer interest. This heightened activity can lead to competitive bidding and swift transactions. Staying informed about local market trends is crucial. For instance, Realtor.com identifies the week of April 13 to 19 as an optimal period to list properties, anticipating higher median listing prices and faster sales.

2. Secure Financing in Advance

In a competitive market, having your financing pre-approved provides a significant advantage. It not only demonstrates your seriousness to sellers but also expedites the purchasing process. Engaging with a trusted hard money lender can be a game-changer for investors who need fast, flexible funding. REIA Hard Money specializes in funding deals quickly, helping investors secure properties before the competition. Learn more about how we can help you close deals faster at REIA Hard Money.

3. Build a Knowledgeable Team

Collaborate with experienced real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and property inspectors who possess in-depth knowledge of the local market. Their insights can help ... Read More…

AI is revolutionizing the real estate industry, giving investors access to deeper insights, faster deal sourcing, and more efficient property management than ever before. Whether you're trying to analyze market trends, find off-market deals, or automate your rental business, AI can help you make smarter, data-driven decisions. 

But with so many tools out there, how do you actually use AI to your advantage? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to leverage AI for market analysis, lead generation, and property management—plus the specific tools that can give Milwaukee investors an edge.

1. AI for Market Analysis: How to Find Trends and Property Values

If you want to predict property values, rental demand, and market trends, AI can pull insights from historical data, economic indicators, and even local consumer behavior.

Steps to Get AI-Driven Market Analysis:

• Use AI-powered real estate analytics platforms – These tools gather and interpret massive amounts of data to give you predictions on property appreciation, neighborhood growth, and potential rental yields.
• Input specific search criteria – Many AI tools allow you to filter properties by price trends, crime rates, school quality, and more.
• Compare different sources – AI platforms use predictive modeling, but combining insights from multiple sources ensures accuracy.

AI Tools for Market Analysis:

• Zillow Zestimate & AI-Powered Market Insights (Zillow.com) &ndas ... Read More…

Every year brings changes to real estate markets, and 2025 will be no different. Smart investors know that preparation beats prediction every time. The market never moves in straight lines, so let's talk about practical ways to keep your business strong no matter what comes next.

First Things First: Understanding Today's Market

Real estate always comes with moving parts. Interest rates affect buyer decisions. Some companies are rethinking their office space needs. Construction prices keep everyone guessing. But changing markets have always created opportunities for investors who stay ready and informed.

All markets create opportunity if you know where to look and how to prepare. Let's break down your action plan by sector.

Residential Market Game Plan

Start building relationships with local real estate attorneys who handle foreclosures. You want to know the right people who can tell you about good deals before they hit the market. Many attorneys see promising properties come across their desk months before anyone else knows about them. The best time to introduce yourself is right now, when things are calm.

Watch your tenant screening process like a hawk. When markets get tough, good tenants become gold. Start building a waiting list of qualified tenants now. Yes, even if your units are full. Actually, especially if your units are full.

Look at upgrading your properties' energy efficiency. When tenants start getting choosy (and they will), having lower utility bil ... Read More…

Hello there, future Milwaukee real estate moguls! We at the Milwaukee Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) are thrilled to welcome you to our community. If you’re considering investing in Milwaukee's real estate market, you've tapped into a city full of rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and exciting opportunities. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced investor looking to expand your portfolio, we are here to guide you through the ins and outs of real estate investing in Milwaukee.

Why Milwaukee?

Milwaukee is more than just cheese, beer, and sports (though we love those too!). It’s a city that's experiencing steady growth and offers real estate investors a lot of opportunities. With a population of over 590,000 people, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and boasts a diverse range of neighborhoods and property types.

Affordability Meets Growth

One of Milwaukee's main attractions is its affordability compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States. As recent stats show, the typical home value in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area is around $348,439, which has increased by approximately 7% over the past year 3. This relatively low price point allows for a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to more expensive cities.

Strong Rental Market

More than half of Milwaukee's residents are renters, creating a robust demand for rental properties. In fact, rental demand is so high that the rental market in Milwauke ... Read More…

Ever thought about diving into real estate investing, but felt overwhelmed by all there is to know? You're definitely not alone. Real estate is like a vast buffet with so many dishes to choose from, and knowing where to start can feel daunting. But don't worry, because we’re going to break it down for you. Understanding the different categories of real estate investment is your first step toward making informed decisions and potentially reaping substantial rewards. Let’s dive deep into the most popular real estate investment categories and unravel the opportunities they present.

Understanding Real Estate Investing

So, what exactly is real estate investing? In simple terms, it’s all about putting your money into properties with the aim of generating income or profit. Sounds straightforward, right? But there's much more under the hood. Fundamental principles include understanding property appreciation, rental income, and leveraging your investments wisely. Mastering these can empower you to navigate the real estate landscape more confidently.

Historical Background

Real estate investing has been around as long as property ownership itself. From the sprawling lands farmed in ancient times to the gleaming skyscrapers of today, real estate's evolution mirrors our societal progression. Historically, real estate was considered a luxury—now it's a common wealth-building tool. Understanding its history helps you appreciate its significance and how each inv ... Read More…

Having a real estate coach can significantly enhance your success in real estate investing, especially in a unique market like Milwaukee. The value of coaching extends far beyond mere instruction, providing a strategic guide through the complexities of the real estate market. In Milwaukee, leveraging the expertise of a seasoned coach can be a game-changer for several reasons.

First, a real estate coach brings personalized guidance and strategic planning to the table. The Milwaukee market has its own set of intricacies, influenced by local economic conditions and community-specific nuances. A coach helps tailor your investment approach, ensuring it aligns with these local dynamics, thereby enhancing your chances of fruitful investments. They help craft a personalized strategy that not only fits your financial goals but also takes into account your individual strengths and market opportunities.

Moreover, a coach in Milwaukee can accelerate your learning curve by sharing industry insights and practical knowledge gained through years of experience. This is particularly valuable in a market that can be as dynamic as Milwaukee's, where timing and local expertise significantly impact success. With their guidance, you can quickly adapt to market fluctuations and seize emerging opportunities, putting you several steps ahead of the competition.

Additionally, the mentorship aspect of a real estate coach in Milwaukee provides invaluable networking opportunities. Through your c ... Read More…