Welcome to The Mike Litton Experience! In this powerful episode, I sit down with seasoned real estate investor and property management expert Mark Ainley, co-founder of GC Realty & Development, to discuss why hiring a property manager is not just a luxury, but a necessity — especially if you value your time, sanity, and financial future.

With over 23 years of experience, Mark has helped countless landlords and investors reclaim their time, increase cash flow, and avoid the costly mistakes that come with DIY property management.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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  Why being “too nice” to tenants might be costing you $500/month

  
  


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  The hidden emotional toll of self-managing rentals

  
  


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  How to calculate your true cost of time (and why it’s more valuable than money)

  
  


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  What makes tenant screening the make-or-break moment for every landlord

  
  


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  How Mark built a real estate empire and what he’s learned after two decades in the game

  
  


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  The power of presence as a parent, and how entrepreneurship impacts family life

  
  

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode will shift your mindset and help you make smarter business decisions — while living a more intentional life.

About Mark Ainley:

Mark Ainley is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of GC Realty & Development, one of Illinois’ leading property management companies. He is a thought leader in property management strategy, investor education, and has been a guest on numerous real estate panels and podcasts.

Connect with Mark:

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  Instagram: @MarkAinleyREI

  
  


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  LinkedIn: Mark Ainley

  
  


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  Company: GC Realty & Development

  
  

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