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Owning class D properties in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence, prostitution and drug abuse is not easy.

But it does give an owner-operator the street smarts to keep themselves, their employees and properties safe. And it makes for some pretty crazy stories!

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Garrett follows up on his previous solo episode with more stories from his experience as an investor in Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods.

Garrett discusses what he did to prevent theft at vacant multifamily properties and describes how firing a maintenance worker nearly caused a gang war at one of his buildings.

Listen in for the story of how Garrett’s maintenance team caught a killer and find out what it’s like to collect rent at night not too far from Chicago’s infamous O Block.

Key Takeaways

How Garrett kept himself safe in South Side Chicago

  • Dress and act the part, drive Chevy Impala
  • Carry hand axe for protection

What Garrett did to protect vacant properties from theft

  • Contractor brought dog to trap thieves
  • Pepper blasters and SimpliSafe alarms

What criminals steal from vacant multifamily properties

  • Copper to sell at metal plant
  • Countertops and cabinets

How Garrett prevented a gang war on his property

  • Maintenance man got fired, stole lawn mower
  • Garrett asked former employee to return item
  • Rival gang came to scare property manager
  • Garrett paid resident in gang to protect area
  • Told former employee to forget whole thing

How Garrett’s maintenance team caught a killer

  • Crew sent to fix water leak in Section 8 building
  • Found shotgun used in murder in wall
  • Tenant charged with murder of rival gang member

Garrett’s experience collecting rent on the West Side

  • Had to go at night, brought 3 guys for protection
  • Unsafe to carry cash, likely to be robbed if alone

Connect with Garrett Lynch

Garrett on LinkedIn

Garrett at Nighthawk Equity

Connect with Michael Blank

Michael on Facebook

Michael on Instagram

Michael on YouTube

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Email [email protected]

Related Articles

Real Estate Asset Classes

What Are the Three Classes of Real Estate Investment?

Why You Should Not Invest in Class A Real Estate Syndication

Resources

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Download Free Resources from The Freedom Vault

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

Garrett on Financial Freedom with Real Estate EP318

SimpliSafe Alarms

Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8

O Block

Podcast Show Notes

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