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 realization: you cannot do this alone. She vividly remembers the excitement of her first rental contract and the grit it took to fix up that first house, but she quickly learned that the real "secret sauce" was the people.

"My advice to a 'newbie' attending their very first Tuesday meeting is: Keep coming! Get to know different investors. Don’t do it alone—do real estate with partners!"

This belief is exactly why Michelle stepped up to volunteer. By moving from the audience to the volunteer team, she transformed her networking experience from passive to purposeful.

"Volunteering has helped me meet so many more people! It has made me feel a part of the REIA and gives me a purpose. I very much like volunteering here."

Through her service, she has built invaluable connections with local leaders like Todd and Amy, proving that the most valuable assets in the Milwaukee market aren't just the buildings—they are the relationships built within the 15-minute "connectedness" of our city. 

The Vision: From "Active Starter" to 300 Units

Michelle is an "Active Starter" with 1–3 deals under her belt, but she is using the REIA community to hold her accountable to a massive "North Star" goal. She is looking for partners who want to go big and transition into the multifamily space.

"My goal is being a Co-Owner for a 100 to 300-unit apartment building! I want to partner up with investors wanting larger unit apartment buildings."

When she isn't analyzing cap rates or room-rental margins, Michelle is likely exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Milwaukee or sharing a "fun fact" that usually stops people in their tracks: she has performed over 7,000 psychic readings for her agency! Whether she’s reading a person’s energy or a property’s potential, Michelle is always looking for the "win-win."

And if you want to hear a truly "distressed" property story, ask her about the time she found a certain adult toy—perfectly preserved in its original box—inside a project house. It's a reminder that in the Milwaukee market, you truly never know what you're going to find until you open the door.

The "Haves & Wants" (Michelle’s Personal Ask)

• Haves: Creative finance expertise, HUD/Section 8 experience, and fix-and-flip funding.

• Wants: Partners for large-scale (100–300 unit) apartment buildings.

Are you ready to build your network like Michelle? Don't just attend the meeting—be a part of it. We are looking for volunteers to help us make the Milwaukee REIA the best it can be.

  Sign Up For Volunteering!