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Episode 320: The Godfather of Chicago Property Management, Taft West

Taft West is the Vice President of Technical Assistance and Sustainability for the Chicago Community Loan Fund and is a renown property management instructor!

Taft starts by sharing his background which includes some autopsy experience! He talks about starting in Chicago real estate, managing condominiums, and public housing in the late 1970s. Taft discusses the differences in leasing now compared to 40 years ago! He drops golden nuggets on the biggest mistakes landlords make and screen out bad tenants. Taft closes with powerful words on doing good work for your community to make a difference!

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https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lawcenterforbetterhousing/event/2024lcbhfallbenefit/

01:45 Intro to our guest, Taft West and Jared Kott!

03:33 Taft’s backstory!

19:01 Taft’s transition into property management.

28:00 Leasing apartments back in the 1970s!

37:23 How Taft started working with CIC!

45:03 Biggest mistake landlords make.

54:52 Building a Community!

61:30 What is your competitive advantage?

62:50 One piece of advice for new investors.

63:46 What do you do for fun?

66:22 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 

67:24 Local Network Recommendation? 

68:21 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest Name: Taft West & Jared Kott

Guest Company: Chicago Community Loan Fund & Marblestone Property Group

Guest Link: https://cclfchicago.org/

Other Links for show notes:

Unacknowledged (Book Recommendation)

SUCI Ep 284 - Jared Kott

SUCI Ep 94 - Stacie Young (CIC)


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