The Cleveland Real Estate Investor

Hosted by Reilly Properties

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Jun 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.

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60 recent

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.

May 29, 2026Episode 12430 min

How We're Using AI Both Personally and Professionally

[1:45] Mike introduces the topic of AI and ChatGPT, then asks A’marri how he uses it for everyday problem-solving and work situations.[4:30] Brook shares how he uses ChatGPT personally and professionally, including workout planning, communication help, and financial schedules.[8:00] Mike compares AI to the early days of computers and explains why small businesses should treat ChatGPT like an administrative assistant.[14:15] Mike, Brook, and A’marri discuss how AI could help improve work orders, customer emails, and daily workflow for foremen and team members.[24:15] Brook and A’marri talk about why people should start experimenting with AI now, how it can reduce fear, and why adaptability matters moving forward.

May 8, 2026Episode 12317 min

How To Sell A Mansion

Our realtor, Sophie joins the podcast to talk about selling the Fairmount Mansion[0:45] Mike introduces the upcoming sale of the Fairmont Mansion and frames it as a unique high-end property that needs a clear selling strategy.[1:30] Sophie explains why the mansion’s woodwork and historic details should be highlighted, including the option to virtually remove furniture from listing photos.[5:00] Mike discusses keeping the mansion available for both a possible sale and a rent-to-buy option while planning needed upgrades like landscaping, furnishings, the elevator, and central AC.[9:30] A’marri and Sophie talk about using AI and other platforms to show possible exterior upgrades, including ideas that cannot be used directly on the MLS.[13:15] Sophie gives a Cleveland Heights spring market update and explains how updated, well-priced homes are still getting strong buyer interest.

May 8, 2026Episode 12244 min

Why Do Vacant Houses Sit For So Long?

Sophie joins the podcast to talk about the different profiles of properties that sit vacant for years in Cleveland Heights.[1:30] Mike asks Sophie for her take on Project RATH, and she explains how vacant and neglected properties affect neighborhoods, property values, and community pride.[5:15] Brook and Sophie discuss estate situations, out-of-town family members, financial trouble, and other reasons houses sit vacant or fall into poor condition.[10:45] Mike introduces Project RATH as a direct action plan, focusing on targeting problem properties instead of waiting on more meetings, studies, or committees.[20:45] Mike proposes using public signs, QR codes, deadlines, and online tracking to pressure owners and show residents that problem properties are being addressed.[42:30] A’marri shares the Project RATH website, while the group discusses community involvement, public updates, and using video to document progress on the targeted homes

April 30, 2026Episode 12144 min

Past Events and Future Behavior

[1:00] Mike opens the episode by explaining why the start of the year is the time to review what worked, what didn’t, and whether your business or properties truly made money.[6:30] Brook breaks down the importance of tracking every expense, using spreadsheets, and reviewing property performance honestly instead of guessing.[14:30] A’marri shares a Jerry Seinfeld example about discipline, persistence, and creating time to think even when results don’t come right away.[23:30] The team discuss stress, fatigue, and the importance of finding solutions instead of falling into complaints or excuses.[40:45] Brook shares Bill Gates’ “think week” example, and Mike connects reading, travel, and taking breaks to clearer thinking and better business decisions.

April 30, 2026Episode 12031 min

Sun Luck Garden

[1:45] Mike and Brook open the episode by discussing year-end cash flow, payroll, bonuses, and the importance of knowing where the money went.[4:15] Mike explains how investors should test their revenue models and track whether short-term rentals are actually hitting their income goals.[8:00] Mike shares the “Job 300” story, showing how hidden labor overages can quietly destroy profitability.[18:30] Brook explains their weekly dashboard process for tracking payroll, overhead, billable jobs, and property-related costs.[25:15] Brook and Mike discuss cutting unnecessary expenses, reviewing savings, and making sure a property or business is truly making money.

April 10, 2026Episode 11936 min

Reintroducing Project RATH - Residents Against Terrible Housing

This episode focuses on housing neglect and lack of enforcement in Cleveland Heights, and how it’s impacting property values and neighborhood stability.We discuss the inconsistency in city response—highlighting areas like Fernway where issues are addressed quickly, versus other neighborhoods where violations are largely ignored.A major theme is the normalization of neglect (“defining deviancy down”), with repeat-offender landlords facing little consequence. Roughly 400 distressed properties were identified, with about 100 tied to just five landlords.The episode introduces RATH, an action-driven group modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Unlike traditional nonprofits, RATH focuses on enforcement—identifying problem properties, contacting owners, and pursuing legal action when necessary (including financial claims for property value impact).We also emphasize resident involvement—giving homeowners tools and support to take action when the city fails to respond—and explore solutions like proactive “house policing,” fines, and stricter accountability for both landlords and tenants.Overall, the conversation is a call to restore standards, protect property values, and end the cycle of neglect at the neighborhood level.[1:10] Mike introduces Project RATH and explains the overall objective and strategy behind the deal.[5:05] The group discusses the planning process, including how they evaluate opportunities and structure projects for long-term success.[9:30] They break down key decisions involved in execution, including budgeting, timelines, and managing risk.[15:10] The conversation shifts to challenges encountered during the project and how they adapt their strategy when things don’t go as planned.[22:40] They discuss lessons learned from Project RATH and how investors can apply similar thinking to their own deals.

March 13, 2026Episode 11847 min

Sale is Not a 4-Letter Word and How to Create a Customer for Life

If you run your own business or work directly with clients, understanding how to sell is one of the most important skills you can develop. In today’s episode, Mike, Brook, and Mac break down what effective sales really looks like—from building rapport and listening to customers, to identifying decision makers and overcoming objections. They also discuss how confidence, preparation, and genuine communication can help turn everyday conversations into long-term business relationships. All this and more on the Cleveland Real Estate Investor Podcast. [3:10] Mike introduces the topic of sales and explains why selling should not be viewed negatively, emphasizing that strong sales skills help build long-term customer relationships.[11:20] Mike compares sales to investigative journalism, explaining that great salespeople ask questions, listen carefully, and uncover the real problem before offering solutions.[20:05] Mike explains the concept that “the customer is not the foreman,” and how professionals must provide expertise instead of letting customers dictate the solution.[31:40] Brook discusses the importance of listening more than talking in sales and how customers can sense anxiety when a salesperson over-explains or tries too hard.[43:50] The group wraps up with advice for sales professionals—build confidence, focus on relationships, and remember that even if you don’t close the sale, you can still build a connection.