Episode 461: Chicago Ground-Up Developments with Matt Katsaros

Matt Katsaros of Wildwood Investments returns to break down ground-up development projects that he's taking down in Chicago! Matt jumps right in by explaining how his experience in commercial real estate brokerage and acquisitions led him to starting and scaling his development business. He dives deep into a Lincoln Park development deal and shares insights on raising capital, finding deals, and construction to successfully complete a development deal! Matt dives into the nuances of adaptive reuse projects and the process of securing tax increment financing (TIF) funds. Matt closes with tremendous tips on apartment layouts and characteristics that help maximize rents! If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: [email protected] Properties for Sale on the North Side?  We want to buy them. Email: [email protected] Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Guest: Matt Katsaros of Wildwood Investments Link: Matt's LinkedIn Link: SUCI Ep 109 (Matt's First Appearance on SUCI) Link: Real Estate For Breakfast Podcast Link: Spittin Chiclets Podcast Guest Questions:  02:00 Housing Provider Tip - Document apartment conditions prior to tenant move-ins. 04:25 Intro to our guest, Matt Katsaros! 10:37 Dissecting Matt's Lincoln Park development deal! 18:32 Tips for raising capital. 28:28 Breaking down an office-to-residential adaptive reuse deal.  37:58 The process to secure TIF funds. 44:18 Earning steady income between the disposition of developments. 46:13 Matt's outlook on his business and on Chicago. 50:27 Apartment characteristics that maximize rents! 62:33 What is your competitive advantage? 62:47 One piece of advice for new investors. 63:05 What do you do for fun? 63:35 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?  64:03 Local Network Recommendation?  64:26 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.