For Investors

Build wealth in real estate — with a partner who's done it.

Mary Nack doesn't just represent investors — she is one. She has bought, sold, and rehabbed many deals of her own, and specializes in working with investors and rehabbers across Chicago's Northside. Here's the no-nonsense thinking she brings to every deal.

Your money is made when you buy.

Beyond "buy low, sell high," here's the rule that matters most: your profit on a deal is made when you buy — and only realized when you sell. You get one chance to buy at the right price, and overpaying is the single biggest reason investors get into trouble.

Buy right — ideally below market — and you give yourself options when a project hits a snag (and eventually, one will). You can flip it as-is and let someone with deeper pockets finish it, rent it for cash flow until the market catches up, or structure a creative exit. The more flexible you can be, the better your odds of protecting your capital.

Always have two or three exit strategies before you close — a Plan A, a Plan B, and a Plan C.

Six mistakes that sink new investors.

Forgetting transaction costs. Closing costs on both the buy side and the sell side — they add up fast and belong in every deal analysis.
Under-estimating holding costs. Taxes, insurance, mortgage payments, and utilities all keep running while a property sits vacant.
Over-leveraging. Leverage amplifies returns — but it can eat you alive when things turn. The more leveraged the deal, the riskier it is.
Analysis paralysis. Over-thinking until good deals slip away. (Remember: not deciding is itself a decision.)
Letting emotion win. Getting caught up in the excitement of "doing the deal" and overpaying for it.
No exit strategy. Know how you'll get out — and how you'll know you've succeeded — before you ever get in.

Finding the right deal.

Three things to settle first:

Location. Invest where you know. You'll read the trends, spot opportunities, and understand what makes an area hold its value — even in a down market.
Budget. Know your total available cash and a monthly number you're comfortable with. A loan officer can tell you what you qualify for, which shapes where you start.
Property type. Most successful investors pick a niche — condos, 2–4 unit buildings, small mixed-use — and get good at it. You can take years off your learning curve by specializing.

Then it comes down to being out there. A sharp agent who's looking at properties every day — and who often hears about deals before they hit the MLS — is one of the biggest advantages a buyer can have. When the right deal appears, you have to be ready to move.

Investing is a team sport.

Your core team — and we can connect you with ours:

A real estate agent — your eyes and ears in the market, often the first to hear of a deal.
A loan officer — get pre-qualified early so you know your number before you fall for a property.
A real estate attorney — one who does real estate exclusively; this is no place for the family lawyer.
An accountant — one who knows investment property and can limit your tax exposure and structure ownership wisely.

Investor FAQ

I'm new to investing — where do I start?

With location and budget. Start in an area you know well, decide what you can comfortably invest, and we'll help you target the property type that fits. You don't need to know everything to begin — you need a good plan and a good team.

What's the single most important rule of real estate investing?

Your money is made when you buy — and realized when you sell. Buying right, often below market, is what protects you if a deal doesn't go as planned. Overpaying is the number-one reason investors get into trouble.

Do I really need a whole team?

Yes — successful investing is a team sport. Your core team is a real estate agent, a loan officer, a real estate attorney, and an accountant who understands investment property. We can introduce you to ours.

What if a deal goes sideways?

Have two or three exit strategies before you ever close. And if a deal sours, act decisively to preserve your capital rather than hanging on and hoping it turns around — that's the costliest mistake of all.

This page is general education, not investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making an investment decision.