Mark Ainley is an investor, Real Estate Managing Broker, and local Property Manager with nearly two decades of experience in all facets of real estate. Mark is the co-founder of GC Realty & Development, LLC, a full-service real estate brokerage, property management, and real estate investment firm in the Chicago real estate market. Through his brokerage, he consults with both local and out-of-state investors on the acquisition, stabilization, and management of their rental property portfolios. GCR&D recently made the “INC 5000 List” of the fastest growing companies in the United States.

He was featured on CNBC’s TV show The Deed, featuring one of his rehab projects. He has also been featured on podcasts like Bigger Pockets(episode 72), The Real Estate Mogul Podcast , Joe Fairless, REI Diamonds, and Real Estate Money School. In 2017 he was featured on the cover of Top Agent-Property Management Edition.

He has spoken at numerous events throughout the United States including investing summits in Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago. Mark takes pride in sharing his personal experiences, both good and bad, with new investors, out-of-state investors, or even less experienced entrepreneurs on what steps to avoid when growing a business.

Through his years of experience, and having completed over 480 successful rehabilitation projects, Mark is able to share his breadth of knowledge on such topics as Property Management, business scaling, the rehabilitation and flipping of properties, asset management and stabilization, market analysis, and investing.

Tom Shallcross is a born and raised Chicagoan who specializes on the North and Northwest sides of Chicago. Tom is the co-host of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, founder of Now Serving Properties, and owner of over 200 Northside apartment units.

Recently Tom joined Drexel Properties to help expand upon Drexel's current 900 unit portfolio. Tom has scaled an extraodinarily successful Chicago rental portfolio while maintaining a full-time flipping business and helping other investors find their next investment as Broker at GC Realty & Development. Tom is an active member of his community and is the father of four.

Born and raised in Chicago, Alex Martinez is a Pipeline Engineer, licensed real estate broker, and investor. He currently owns and manages 6-units in the East Humboldt Park and United Center neighborhoods. He has vast experience underwriting, acquiring, and renovating small multi-family buildings. In his free time, Alex likes to stay active and enjoys exploring Chicago's Historic Architecture/Neighborhoods!

Lantz Kurzawinski is a licensed real estate broker with a keen focus on entering the realm of real estate investing. His passion for the industry extends to a deep interest in real estate podcasts and business development. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance, Lantz is dedicated to merging academic knowledge with practical insights for a successful venture into the dynamic world of real estate investing.