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Author: Mark Ainely | Partner GC Realty & Development & Co-Host Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
Some people talk about investing “one day.” Lantz Kurzawinski just did it, four properties by age 21, by saving aggressively, showing up for unglamorous work, and partnering smart. In this Straight Up Chicago Investor episode, Lantz shares the scrappy path from Juul stock boy and podcast tech to house-hacker, BRRRR-er, and deal partner, plus the exact numbers, mistakes, and mindsets that got him there.
In This Episode of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
Lantz walks through:
- How he saved $25k by age 20 (frugal habits, tons of hours, zero lifestyle creep).
- First BRRRR in Downers Grove (REO, $230k + ~$50k rehab → refi ~$380k), the wins and the whoops (over-lighting rooms, not replacing old lines).
- Second rental in Hoffman Estates (permit lessons + rental licensing quirks).
- Landing a W-2 to qualify, then house-hacking a 4-unit in Jefferson Park at 5% down with a partner, seller credit, and creative underwriting.
- DIY rehabbing a non-conforming garden unit on a shoestring (and living in it during the rehab).
- Two more quick moves (Itasca hold + Downers flip) that juiced returns and liquidity.
- The playbook: provide value first, ask for opportunities, partner to your strengths, and delay gratification.
Questions We Answer in This Episode
- How did Lantz buy his first property at 19?
Saved ~$25–30k by working 35–40 hrs/wk in high school, living lean, and stockpiling cash, then used an REO + value-add to BRRRR. - What mistakes should new BRRRR investors avoid?
Replace old cast iron/galvanized lines up front; budget for the boring stuff; don’t overspend on shiny items (yes, 18 can lights in 700 sq ft is… a lot). - Why did he switch to a W-2 job?
To qualify for owner-occ financing. 1099 write-offs can kill DTI, W-2 history solved it. - How did the Jefferson Park house hack close at 5% down?
Partner to reduce DTI, request $15k seller credit (via price bump), and thread the needle on rates/lease-up to fit guidelines. - What did the garden-unit rehab cost and how?
Targeted $5–7k DIY refresh (nights/weekends): drywall, floors, paint, vanity, kept it tight since it’s non-conforming. - Does the 4-unit cash flow?
PITI ≈ $4,715. Current rent roll ≈ $4,900; with the garden hypothetically rented ≈ +$1,300, net ≈ $800–900/mo after shared utilities, while building serious equity. - What’s the bigger lesson for young investors?
Play to your strengths (time/effort vs. capital), provide value, and delay gratification to stack wins.
Show Notes (Timestamps)
Show Notes
00:00 – Cold open: Lantz nails the intro; hosts hype the youngest guest.
02:41 – Housing Provider Tip: don’t lock owners’ storage, give tenants full access.
04:05 – Lantz’s origin story: books, BiggerPockets, money mindset before 18.
12:42 – From leasing to turnovers; why the in-person studio exists (Lantz built it).
18:16 – Deal #1 (Downers Grove): $230k buy, ~$50k rehab, refi ≈ $380k; early mistakes & neighbor relations.
23:09 – Deal #2 (Hoffman Estates): ~$270k buy, ~$40k rehab; rental license triggers electrical panel upgrade.
28:14 – Switching to W-2 to qualify; finding the Jefferson Park 4-unit (legal 3 + garden + coach).
32:29 – Financing the house hack: partner + $15k seller credit; 5% down; cash to close ≈ $17.5k.
34:05 – Garden-unit grind: seepage surprise, half-gut DIY nights/weekends; target $5–7k refresh.
38:56 – Deals #3–#4: Itasca hold (strong appraisal) + Downers flip (~$30–40k gain) to fuel BRRRR.
Takeaways for Chicago Property Managers & Landlords
- Give tenants full access (don’t hoard storage); it boosts leasing velocity and retention.
- Fix fundamentals first (old plumbing/electrical) to prevent post-move-in crises.
- Partnerships bridge gaps: lower DTI, share skills, and unlock owner-occ financing.
- Ask for credits creatively (price bump → seller credit) to lower cash to close.
- DIY when it makes sense, especially on non-conforming/unit refreshes, to stretch tight budgets.
- Delay gratification: stack equity, bank cash flow for CapEx, and let time compound wins.
- Tell your network what you want, deals and intros often come from simply speaking up.
Guest Info
Guest: Lantz Kurzawinski
Company: Investor & GC Realty collaborator
Connect: 224-281-8866
Because finding good tenants and property management shouldn’t feel like online dating.
Dear Investor,
If you are an investor in either the city or suburbs of Chicago, I would love to speak with you about how we can help you on your real estate journey. At GC Realty & Development LLC, we help hundreds of Chicagoland real estate owners and brokers each year manage their assets with both full service property management and tenant placement services.
We understand that every investor’s goals are unique, and we love learning about each client’s individual needs. If there is an opportunity to help you buy back your time by managing your rental property or finding quality tenants, please check us out.
Best Investing,
Founder, Partner, Podcast Co-Host, and Investor
