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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’ ... Read More…

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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 $20 ... Read More…

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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

Mich ... Read More…

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Harnessing Local Expertise

In the sphere of real estate investment, national coaches consistently emphasize the importance of leveraging local resources to achieve success. This strategic advice, straight from the mouths of some of the most successful national investors, highlights the significance of joining local Real Estate Investors Associations (REIAs), with Milwaukee REIA being a prime example for those looking to dive into the Milwaukee market.

Why National Coaches Recommend Local REIAs

National real estate coaches understand that while broad strategies are essential, real estate is an inherently local game. Markets differ drastically from one city to another, influenced by community specifics, regulatory environments, and economic conditions. That's why national coaches who want their students to have actual success stress the importance of joining local REIAs to gain tailored insights and access localized tools and networks essential for success.

Milwaukee's real estate market, for instance, has unique characteristics that can be best navigated with the guidance of local experts. The Milwaukee REIA provides this indispensable connection to regional nuances. Members receive unparalleled access to seasoned investors who understand the ebb and flow of Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods and can offer insights that national strategies alone simply cannot.

Local Assets: A Treasur ... Read More…