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…