The Cleveland Real Estate Investor

Hosted by Reilly Properties

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Episodes

133

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

This is the Cleveland Real Estate Investor with Mike Reilly, owner of Reilly Properties and Reilly Painting and Contracting. Mike has been in the home renovation business for 40+ years in the Cleveland area.Mike Ferrante, real estate agent from Century 21 also joins us amongst other guests.In this podcast, we seek to take our experience and provide insight and inspiration for outside investors looking to buy property in Cleveland.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 7, 2026Episode 13416 min

Post-Summer Heat Check

[0:20] Mike asks Brook for his read on the Cleveland real estate market as they set up a post-summer market discussion. [1:00] Mike and Brook discuss signs of a buyer’s market, including more homes for sale and overpriced listings sitting longer. [3:35] Brook and Mike talk about Forest Hill, young families moving in, road improvements, and the impact of vacant houses. [5:05] Mike explains why investors should look for neighborhoods with long-term appreciation potential, especially in Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland. [13:40] Mike summarizes the main takeaway: it may be a buyer’s market, but investors need a strategic look at what they’re buying, fixing, and who will manage it.

July 31, 2026Episode 13326 min

Raise Your Floor Not Your Ceiling

[1:15] A’marri introduces the idea of raising your floor instead of your ceiling by focusing on non-negotiables and consistent habits. [5:00] Mike connects the concept to real estate, explaining why investors should make the first house a money maker before trying to buy more. [8:00] Mike explains why owning mistakes is a key part of real change, growth, and better decision-making. [16:15] Mike talks about analyzing jobs and investments carefully, defining what a “victory house” or profitable opportunity looks like. [24:45] Mike applies the lesson back to real estate, discussing the importance of choosing the right tenants and thinking critically when things are not working.

July 23, 2026Episode 13241 min

Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail: Why Fund Dysfunction?

[1:15] Mike introduces Project RATH and discusses the recent success of getting the Randolph property torn down. [9:30] Mike explains why Project RATH is shifting focus to the Blanche Taylor corridor and the vision for making it a stronger neighborhood. [14:15] Mike argues that Cleveland Heights needs a real strategic housing plan, saying “fail to plan, plan to fail.” [21:15] Mike and Liam discuss why the city should focus on fixing existing problems before funding new projects. [38:15] A’marri explains that Project RATH is asking for the basics — acknowledgement, a clear plan, and real action on neglected properties.

July 20, 2026Episode 13154 min

Managing is Sales: Be Someone Worth Following

[1:30] Mike introduces the idea that managing is sales, covering customers, tenants, subcontractors, and employees. [10:15] A’marri discusses hiring lessons, low-quality hires, and why managers need to set expectations early. [23:00] Bob explains why the customer should never become the foreman and how strong management builds trust. [38:30] Dave talks about managing new employees, checking their work, and starting them with simple assignments. [47:15] Lindsey shares how she manages property clients by offering practical housing solutions instead of forcing the wrong fit.

July 3, 2026Episode 13036 min

A Rose In The Desert

Mike, Brook, A'marri and Liam talk about Cleveland Heights' backward approach to housing, which involves placing new apartments directly among neglected properties. [1:45] A’marri explains the “rose in the desert” idea, saying new development can’t succeed when surrounded by vacant houses and neglected properties. [7:15] Brook compares Van Aken to Cleveland Heights, explaining how clean, safe, family-friendly spaces help create stronger neighborhoods. [15:30] Mike explains why Taylor-Blanche could create buying opportunities if Project RATH helps clean up the area and build momentum. [22:45] Mike, A’marri, and Liam discuss Cleveland Heights’ process-driven approach and why admitting the problem is the first step toward change. [30:00] A’marri shares where listeners can follow Project RATH, see updated targets and victories, and support the neighborhood improvement effort.

June 26, 2026Episode 12924 min

Under The Radar Property Investments in Cleveland Heights

[1:15] Mike explains Project RATH, how it targets bad housing, and the recent progress made on Randolph Road. [5:30] Mike points investors toward the Blanche Taylor area and explains why neighborhood cleanup could create property value upside. [8:45] Mike discusses future neighborhood opportunities, including partnerships, local business improvements, and the Medusa Building. [16:30] A’marri explains that Project RATH is about accountability and solutions, not bullying property owners. [22:45] Mike, Brook, and A’marri encourage investors to look at areas Project RATH is improving and share where listeners can follow the progress.

June 19, 2026Episode 12826 min

Cleveland Real Estate Investors Make This Mistake All The Time

[1:00] Mike introduces the importance of real estate consultations for out-of-state investors looking to understand the Cleveland market before buying. [7:00] Mike explains how their team helps investors identify the right areas, inspect properties, and estimate repair costs before making decisions. [11:15] Mike introduces Project RATH and explains how it focuses on organizing neighborhoods to address vacant and neglected houses. [16:00] A’marri discusses how Project RATH starts by identifying problem properties and reaching out to owners, recognizing that not every situation involves a bad landlord. [24:15] Mike and A’marri talk about growing Project RATH, encouraging community support, and using the website to track targeted properties and push for improvement.

June 4, 2026Episode 12735 min

Cleveland Heights Needs To Be Transparent About The Housing Problem

Mike took over the conversation before I could finish introducing the topic. There's a bit towards the middle where I properly introduce what we will be discussing that needs to be moved to the front. [0:45] Mike introduces the Project RATH update with A’marri and Liam, focusing on vacant homes, neighborhood development, and opportunities for investors and first-time buyers. [7:00] Mike and A’marri discuss how neglected housing can drag down property values and why certain Cleveland Heights neighborhoods need urgent attention. [13:00] Mike identifies transparency as the central issue, explaining why residents need clearer communication and accountability from the city. [21:00] Liam and A’marri discuss using websites and social media updates to keep residents informed about problem properties and city action. [32:45] Liam shares final thoughts on focusing Project RATH around specific houses, gathering residents, and showing visible results to build momentum.

June 2, 2026Episode 12629 min

Investing in Solar Power and Change

[0:45] Mike opens the discussion by connecting Cleveland Heights’ biggest issues — vacant homes, potholes, crime, and lack of retail — back to housing. [4:00] Mike criticizes point-of-sale inspections and argues the city should focus more on neglected properties, enforcement, and real cleanup. [6:30] The conversation shifts to Severance, with Mike and Alex discussing solar power, modular housing, hydroponics, and more forward-thinking development. [11:00] Brook and A’marri reset the conversation from a younger resident’s perspective, talking about Cleveland Heights leadership, the mayoral race, and city priorities. [24:30] Brook and A’marri compare point-of-sale violations with neglected vacant homes and explain why residents want clear action instead of more studies.

June 1, 2026Episode 12521 min

Turning A Vacant and Neglected Property Into Your Next Investment

Brook, Mike and A'marri talk RATH, reactions from the City and how we plan to turn these neglected houses around. Only use first half of recording and stop when Mike says that the podcast section is done. Should include none of the meeting after where we talk about Brook's week next week and more specific work items. [1:00] Mike introduces the latest Project RATH developments and explains how the team is starting to see movement on neglected properties. [4:00] Mike compares Project RATH to getting in the end zone, focusing on before-and-after results that show real progress. [8:00] The group discusses using updates, email blasts, and investor communication to track problem houses and pressure action. [13:00] A’marri explains how one property owner appears to move ownership through different LLCs, making it harder for the city to collect taxes and liens. [19:00] Mike connects vacant homes to Cleveland Heights’ larger housing problem, including lost property tax revenue and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.