From a rough upbringing to a successful REI career in Chicago, Mike Baker joins us to discuss his journey and his vast knowledge on wholesaling, flipping, and consulting.

Mike begins by outlining his troubled past involving drugs, gangs, and prison. He shares some of the lessons learned in prison and the mindset shift required to get started and to succeed in real estate. Mike, Mark, and Tom share shocking stories about rehabbing in distressed neighborhoods. Mike closes by explaining how his experience gives him a competitive advantage and how he's leveraging it to offer hourly, a la carte consulting services to investors looking for support and resources!

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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com

Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com

Guest: Mike Baker of A La Carte REI

Link: Mike Baker's Blog

Link: SUCI Episode 89

Link: SUCI Episode 146

Link: Michael Kevorkian (Network Referral)

Link: 48 Laws of Power (Book Referral)

Link: Brie Schmidt (Network Referral)

Sponsors: Appeal.tax and Essex Realty Group

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Guest Questions

03:23 Housing Provider Tip: Be sure you are cleaning and maintaining your fireplace!

05:40 Intro to our guest, Mike Baker!

06:50 Mike talks about his troubled past!

08:44 What did Mike learn from his time in prison that has been applicable in his real estate journey?

11:29 Mike talks about his start in real estate working for a wholesaler.

17:08 Mike shares stories about rehabbing in distressed neighborhoods!

24:05 What are some advantages of having experience in multiple facets of real estate like Mike does?

26:18 How can newer investors utilize joint-ventures and resources like A La Carte REI?

30:27 What is Mike's motivation for starting A La Carte REI?

Wrap Up Questions

37:44 What is Mike's competitive advantage?

38:18 One piece of advice for new investors.

39:04 What do you do for fun?

39:45 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

40:37 Local Network Recommendation?

41:10 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

That's our show! Thanks for listening!

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2022.

Episode 180: From Prison to Real Estate Profits; A Transformational Chicago Journey Against All Odds with Mike Baker

Straight Up Chicago Investor

Episode 180: From Prison to Real Estate Profits; A Transformational Chicago Journey Against All Odds with Mike Baker