Episodios

  • No Salaries, No Vacation Tracking: Our Partner-Only Model with Tom Kaiman, Founder of Mia Rose Holdings

    No Salaries, No Vacation Tracking: Our Partner-Only Model with Tom Kaiman, Founder of Mia Rose Holdings
    Jun 24 2025

    Tom Kaiman is the founder of Mia Rose Holdings, a St. Louis-based real estate development firm with nearly $1B in assets under management and over 3,000 apartment units developed. Before becoming a prolific builder, Tom was a professional hockey player and earned a degree in civil engineering. His unique background in sports, construction, and entrepreneurship has shaped his mission: to build high-quality multifamily housing at a lower cost basis while prioritizing team alignment and community impact.

    In this episode, Tom shares his full-circle journey from skating rinks to development sites, highlighting his investment philosophy, construction-first strategy, and passion for long-term wealth creation. He breaks down how Mia Rose self-funds pre-development, structures deals with recourse loans, and aligns team incentives by making every partner an owner. He also discusses the challenges of real estate timing, the power of reading, and why understanding money supply and inflation is critical for every investor. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers tactical insights and hard-won wisdom.


    Connect with Raj:

    Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

    LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut

    TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut


    Connect with Tom:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kaiman-07ba9612/


    Timestamps:


    00:00 Why Mia Rose spends more on units than amenities

    01:13 Meet Tom Kaiman — From hockey to nearly $1B in AUM

    02:16 Childhood, family, and hockey career path

    04:21 Civil engineering and first job with Walton Construction

    05:10 How Rich Dad Poor Dad sparked an entrepreneurial drive

    06:48 Building the Maryville University Hockey Center

    08:46 Nonprofit structures and public-private partnerships

    10:26 A five-year project that changed his view on development

    15:02 Applying team-first thinking from hockey to real estate

    18:17 No employees — How Mia Rose built a partner-only firm

    20:39 Why success is addicting and retirement isn’t the goal

    26:12 The Mia Rose development formula: 4 deals a year

    31:03 Finding land and vetting city relationships

    33:13 Why 150–200 unit suburban walkups are the sweet spot

    34:29 Exit strategy and why affordability matters

    37:18 Spend in-unit, not on chandeliers

    39:00 Lessons from early deals and constant model evolution

    42:12 Pre-development risk and self-funding explained

    44:22 Why they subordinate development fees

    45:58 Friends and family raise — but family office is next

    47:16 What makes a deal work today (or not)

    49:40 Target returns: IRR, equity multiples, and risk

    50:40 How being a builder is their competitive edge

    53:02 Staying hands-on in construction pricing

    57:07 Direct sourcing and focus trade-offs

    59:38 Cutting markup chains without losing control

    01:00:00 Flywheel strategy: 4 builds a year, into perpetuity

    01:02:54 Hole-in-one advice: Read more, understand money

    01:07:00 The 41% money supply stat that shocked Tom


    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

    #RealEstateDevelopment

    #MultifamilyRealEstate

    #ConstructionLeadership

    #StLouisDevelopment

    #PassiveIncomeStrategies

    #AffordableHousingMatters

    #EntrepreneurMindset

    #CommercialRealEstate

    #BuildToRent

    #TeamCulture

    #RealEstateInvesting

    #InflationHedge

    #FiatCurrency
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    1 h y 10 m
  • How To Scale a Storage Business with Smart Systems, with Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage

    How To Scale a Storage Business with Smart Systems, with Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage
    Jun 10 2025

    Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage, a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in the self-storage industry. With more than 2 million square feet under management across 11 states and over 12,000 units, Alex has played a pivotal role in scaling operations across the Midwest and Northeast. He also serves as Vice President of the Missouri Self-Storage Association and sits on the board of the Illinois Self-Storage Association. His career began while still in college, supporting his uncle’s operations before launching a self-storage business with his father that quickly grew into a regional force.


    In this episode, Alex shares deep insights into self-storage investing, third-party management, and automation trends. He unpacks how remote management works in practice, why feasibility studies are non-negotiable, and the biggest mistakes new investors make—like overpaying for facilities. The conversation covers acquisition strategy, the shift away from kiosks, the rise of dynamic pricing and smart tech, and the importance of local market saturation. Listeners will walk away with a practical understanding of how to succeed in self-storage, from setup to scaling.


    Connect with Raj:

    Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut


    Connect with Alex:

    Website: https://www.storagemall.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-erbs

    Email: alex@storagemall.com


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Why “Build It and They Will Come” No Longer Works

    02:18 How Alex Got Started in Self-Storage with Family

    05:17 Finding Opportunity Where REITs Wouldn’t Go

    07:25 Launching Third-Party Management by Accident

    10:07 The Rise of Remote & Hybrid Management Models

    14:32 How Big Operators Use Management to Buy Later

    18:14 When to Use Remote vs On-Site Staffing

    28:34 The 4 Core Tech Upgrades Every Storage Site Needs

    39:30 Using AI and Dynamic Pricing to Maximize Revenue

    54:10 The Real Cost of Overpaying for a Storage Facility

    This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living



    This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living

    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/


    #SelfStorage #CommercialRealEstate #StorageInvesting #RealEstateStrategy #PassiveIncome #RemoteManagement #REITs #StorageBusiness #AutomationInRealEstate #MidwestInvesting #MultifamilyInvesting #FeasibilityStudy #SmartStorage #DynamicPricing
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    1 h
  • Structuring Triple Net Sale-Leasebacks: Real Estate Financing with Tim Crowley, President, Crowley Financial Corp.

    Structuring Triple Net Sale-Leasebacks: Real Estate Financing with Tim Crowley, President, Crowley Financial Corp.
    May 27 2025

    Tim Crowley is a St. Louis-based real estate investor and entrepreneur who built a decades-long career in triple net sale-leasebacks, conservative underwriting, and long-term investing. With no formal real estate background, Tim entered the industry after careers in manufacturing and oil & gas, eventually becoming a respected figure across 21 states. He’s also known for his role in golf course development, having helped build Gateway National, widely considered the best public golf course in the St. Louis region.

    In this episode, Tim shares the story of how he transitioned from commission sales into oil and gas and ultimately found his calling in real estate. He explains the mechanics behind triple net leasebacks, how to evaluate private credit risk, and why treating real estate as inventory changed the game. He opens up about failures, market shifts, and his conservative investment principles. Whether it’s raising a family, navigating recessions, or turning buildings into cash flow, Tim reveals timeless principles that guided his success.

    Connect with the Host

    Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

    Connect with the Guest

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-crowley-10881015/

    Timestamps

    00:00
    01:50 Lessons from his mentor Stanley Grossman
    03:00 Growing up in a working-class immigrant family

    05:45 Why oil and gas investing didn’t work out

    08:19 Tim’s first real estate deal: a bank leaseback
    10:44 Risk-taking and getting married without a deal closed

    12:00 Early bank sale-leaseback transactions

    13:05 Why he avoided value-add outside St. Louis

    14:10 What is a triple net leaseback?

    15:13 How they underwrote tenant credit

    17:03 Real estate as paying inventory

    18:24 Creating favorable loan terms with banks

    20:35 Operating through rising interest rates
    22:50 Navigating bankruptcies and receiverships

    25:16 The golden years: a 10-year run of opportunity

    27:18 How they structured 101% financing

    28:09 What counts as value-add in net lease deals

    30:01 Lease terms that protect investors

    31:27 Why he avoided inflated rent deals

    33:10 Golf course investing and Gateway National

    35:27 The downtown St. Louis real estate opportunity

    37:03 Challenges facing St. Louis today

    39:18 Safety then vs. now

    40:00 Building Gateway National Golf Links

    42:43 Buying Stonewolf Golf Club
    44:51 Legacy, parenting, and moral grounding
    46:16 Why he chose to walk away from upside on Gateway

    48:28 Why the fundamentals always mattered more than flash

    49:30 Tim’s hole-in-one advice: “Do what you say you’re going to do”


    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/
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    52 m
  • Inside FHA Lending: How to Get the Best Rate (and Keep It) with Cortney Mauldin, Commercial Loan Originator Specializing in FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Balance Sheet Lending

    Inside FHA Lending: How to Get the Best Rate (and Keep It) with Cortney Mauldin, Commercial Loan Originator Specializing in FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Balance Sheet Lending
    May 13 2025

    Cortney Mauldin is a seasoned FHA loan originator based out of St. Louis with a remarkable track record in commercial real estate finance. Over the past five years, he has originated $375 million in HUD-backed loans and has overseen more than $4 billion in loan volume throughout his career. Beginning his journey in 2003 as an entry-level FHA underwriter, Cortney rose through the ranks thanks to his analytical mindset and passion for real estate. He now plays a critical role in FHA multifamily lending, working on everything from market-rate apartments to senior housing projects nationwide.

    In this episode, Cortney unpacks the structure and strategy behind FHA and HUD loans, including the advantages of step-down prepayment models, streamlined refinancing options like 223(a)(7), and the nuanced role of underwriting vs origination. He offers clarity on how HUD compares to Fannie and Freddie in terms of cost, timing, and leverage, and shares timely insights into how rising interest rates are affecting deal valuations and debt proceeds. Cortney also discusses the importance of mentors, professional resilience, and finding personal joy outside of work — all while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to manage complex real estate transactions.

    Connect with the Host

    Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

    LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut

    TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut



    Connect with the Guest LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-mauldin-86703b6/

    Company Website: https://berkadia.com/


    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Cortney and her FHA loan experience

    00:44 Cortney’s career background and transition into origination

    02:53 How she entered commercial real estate and her early real estate investments

    04:36 The underwriting-to-origination journey and differences in skillsets

    06:51 Art vs science in underwriting and origination

    08:13 HUD’s low default rate and how the insurance model works

    10:02 Comparing HUD, Fannie, and Freddie — process, timing, and leverage

    12:04 What limits HUD loans today and how interest rates impact them

    14:54 Step-down prepayment penalties and HUD refinancing options

    17:10 Loan mods vs 223(a)(7) streamlines explained

    18:50 Minimum deal size and when HUD makes financial sense

    21:13 Accessibility standards and post-closing repairs

    23:09 How Cortney evaluates deals and determines pricing

    25:38 The coming wave of maturities and why multifamily is more resilient than office

    27:40 How HUD plays a countercyclical role in the capital markets

    29:08 Appraisal strategy and how underwriters adjust value estimates

    31:06 Risk, compliance, and protecting underwriter credibility

    34:07 How Cortney manages complex workflows and borrowers’ expectations

    37:55 Why borrowers should consider FHA financing

    40:54 New HUD rule changes making it easier to refinance new construction

    42:19 Cortney’s advice on mentorship, long-term growth, and life balance


    This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/
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    49 m
  • Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever in Real Estate, with Jake Klamen Founder & Investment Broker of Klamen Commercial Advisors

    Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever in Real Estate, with Jake Klamen Founder & Investment Broker of Klamen Commercial Advisors
    Apr 29 2025

    In this episode, we interview Jake Klamen, founder of Klamen Commercial Advisors and co-owner of My Ten Management. With deep family roots in St. Louis real estate, Jake has successfully completed over 48 commercial transactions valued at over $125 million since founding his brokerage in 2021. Beyond brokerage, Jake plays a key role in managing a large residential and commercial portfolio through his family-run management company.Throughout the conversation, Jake shares how focusing on revenue-generating activities, reputation, and relationship-building has been the backbone of his success. He dives into the resilience of neighborhood retail centers, strategies for positioning properties for sale, and insights into navigating the nuances of the St. Louis market. Key themes include the importance of working hard early in your career, maintaining client trust, and why focusing on daily activities rather than just results is critical in commercial real estate.


    Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTut

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTut

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut


    Connect with James:

    Website: klamencommercial.com

    Email: jake@klamencommercial.com

    Phone: (314) 680-9919

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-klamen-6916ab1a0/


    Timestamps:

    00:00

    00:54 Jake’s background and founding Klamen Commercial Advisors

    05:58 Family legacy: Three generations in real estate

    08:21 Core values that built a lasting real estate business

    11:36 Early brokerage years at Marcus & Millichap and Colliers

    13:05 Overcoming the brutal first year in real estate

    14:35 How sports mentality shaped Jake’s success in brokerage

    15:51 Challenges and wins in starting his own brokerage

    19:49 Why neighborhood retail centers remain a resilient investment

    22:29 Ideal tenant mix for successful shopping centers

    24:34 Expanding beyond St. Louis into regional markets

    30:32 How unsophisticated sellers create buying opportunities

    32:02 Current retail cap rates, lending, and positive leverage

    40:11 Why St. Louis confuses out-of-state investors

    42:23 Preparing a property for sale + strategic advice from Jake

    48:37 Jake’s advice for young brokers: Focus on daily activities, not just results (Hole in One)This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.


    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

    LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/
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    55 m
  • How Ethics Shapes Company Culture with Yonason Goldson

    How Ethics Shapes Company Culture with Yonason Goldson
    Apr 15 2025

    Yonason Goldson, a globally recognized thought leader on ethics, leadership, and culture, joins Raj to share insights from his remarkable journey. Yonason is a TEDx speaker, former hitchhiker, world traveler, and author of seven books, regularly contributing to Fast Company and having been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and the Washington Post. His distinctive blend of ancient wisdom and modern business ethics positions him uniquely to advise organizations worldwide.

    Throughout the episode, Yonason and Raj explore the foundations of ethical decision-making, emphasizing why compliance alone isn't enough—true ethics require a mindful approach rooted in empathy, humility, and trustworthiness. Yonason shares actionable strategies, including his "ETHICS" acronym for leadership and the "Four Muses" for ethical decision-making, providing powerful tools to cultivate ethical leadership, strengthen organizational culture, and drive sustainable success.

    Connect with the Host: Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

    Connect with the Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonason-goldson/Website: YonasonGoldson.comSubstack: yonasongoldson.substack.com00:00 Introduction to Ethics and Compliance

    00:37 Yonason Goldson's Background & Accomplishments

    02:25 Early Life & Growing Up in California

    05:26 Life-Changing Hitchhiking Journey

    09:14 Exploring the World & Finding Roots in Israel

    12:30 Discovering Ethical Foundations in Judaism

    17:13 Ethics as the Bedrock of Jewish Teachings

    18:25 Compliance vs. True Ethical Leadership

    20:12 ETHICS Acronym Explained

    24:01 Practical Steps to Develop Ethical Traits

    26:59 Influence of Jewish Cultural Teachings

    32:05 Bringing Ancient Wisdom into Modern Business

    34:33 The Four Muses of Ethical Decision-Making

    38:10 The Importance of Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

    39:36 Ethics, Trust, and Relationship-Building

    41:59 Immediate Steps to Improve Company Ethics

    44:58 Core Values: Theory vs. Practice

    54:33 Avoiding Binary Thinking & Embracing Complexity

    57:57 Defining "Home" and Choosing Where to Live

    01:02:02 The Importance of Community & Belonging

    01:07:20 Yonason's Final Advice on Listening and Growth


    This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Why Most Businesses Fail at Branding with Gair Maxwell

    Why Most Businesses Fail at Branding with Gair Maxwell
    Apr 1 2025

    Discover the power of storytelling in creating legendary brands with Gair Maxwell, author of "Big Little Legends" and renowned international speaker. In this insightful conversation, Gair reveals how businesses and entrepreneurs can stand out by tapping into their authentic stories and building unique brand identities that resonate across industries and cultures. From the surprising history of the Mona Lisa to the compelling stories behind Nike, Dollar Shave Club, and the Green Bay Packers, learn how storytelling can elevate your brand beyond mere products and services.

    Connect with Raj:

    Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠

    LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

    Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

    TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

    Connect with Gair:

    Website: https://www.gairmaxwell.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Legends-Everyday-Irresistible/dp/1774581663

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gairmaxwell

    YouTube: youtube.com/@GairMaxwell


    Timestamps:

    00:00:00

    00:00:55 Introduction and Welcome to Gair Maxwell

    00:01:25 Gair's Insights on St. Louis' Legendary Sportscasters

    00:03:04 Importance of Creating Legends Through Storytelling

    00:05:37 Gair’s Early Life and Journey from Broadcasting

    00:09:05 How Gair Entered Branding and Marketing

    00:10:47 Case Study: Creating Canada's Huggable Car Dealer

    00:15:26 Core Theme: Identity Beyond Products & Services

    00:17:01 Nike vs. Reebok: The Power of Branding

    00:21:39 Dollar Shave Club and the Commodity Branding Example

    00:22:04 Why is Mona Lisa the Most Famous Painting?

    00:24:01 Differentiating a Lawyer as the "Game Day Attorney"

    00:27:14 West Shore Home: Navy SEALs of Home Renovations

    00:33:55 Branding's Impact on Customer and Talent Acquisition

    00:37:17 Why Every Company Should Be a Media Company

    00:39:16 Tips on Discovering Your Brand’s Unique Story

    00:43:06 The "Authentic Swing" Concept Explained

    00:47:30 How Childhood Influences Shape Your Brand Story

    00:51:23 Moving from Target Audience to Ecosystem Thinking

    00:55:14 Gair's Upcoming Event at Lambeau Field

    00:59:07 Hole-in-One Advice: "Reject Ordinary, Be Legendary"

    01:00:36 Connect with Gair Maxwell & Closing Remarks


    This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

    If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

    Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/
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    1 h y 3 m
  • The Mindset of a Real Estate Mogul – Michael Staenberg

    The Mindset of a Real Estate Mogul – Michael Staenberg
    Mar 18 2025
    Michael Staenberg is a visionary real estate developer and philanthropist who has developed over 200 retail centers totaling more than 45 million square feet. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Michael has worked with some of the biggest names in retail, including Walmart, McDonald’s, and Home Depot. Beyond his business success, he is known for his philanthropic efforts, having donated over $100 million to various causes. His impact on the St. Louis region is undeniable, from major retail developments like Chesterfield Commons to his leadership in revitalizing Chesterfield’s downtown district.In this episode, Michael shares his journey from a young leasing agent to a powerhouse in commercial real estate, offering invaluable insights on persistence, mentorship, and long-term vision. He discusses the evolution of retail, the importance of understanding tenant needs, and his strategy for creating sustainable, community-driven developments. Michael also reflects on his philanthropic philosophy, emphasizing the power of giving back and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Whether you're interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or the mindset behind success, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.Twitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTutLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rajtutInstagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTutTikTok: tiktok.com/@itsrajtutConnect with Michael Staenberg:The Staenberg Group Website: tsgproperties.comThe Staenberg Group LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-staenberg-groupMichael Staenberg's Website: michaelstaenberg.comTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:37 – Early Chat & Greetings02:30 – Childhood & Work Ethic05:00 – Mentors & Early Career at Leo Eisenberg09:50 – Transition from Brokerage to Developer12:00 – Meeting Sam Walton & Walmart Deals15:20 – Moving to St. Louis & First Projects17:00 – The 1993 Flood & Vision for Chesterfield Commons21:40 – The District & The Factory24:45 – “Main Street” vs. Big-Box Retail27:00 – Downtown Chesterfield Project33:00 – Michael’s Giving Philosophy36:00 – Examples of Philanthropy & Hands-On Giving41:30 – Personal Stories & “Pants One Leg at a Time”46:00 – Mentorship & “Checking Ego at the Door”52:20 – The “Three T’s”: Time, Talent, Treasure59:00 – Greatest Advice (“Hole in One”)1:04:00 – Closing RemarksThis podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.comConnect with us: Website: storyboardliving.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living
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    1 h y 5 m