TCREI Show #35 - "Using Equity to Scale a Real Estate Portfolio w/ DIY Pro Evan Kraljic"

TCREI Show #35: Using Equity to Scale a Real Estate Portfolio w/ DIY Pro Evan Kraljic Key Topics Covered

• Househacking and building equity through sweat equity

• Leveraging HELOCs to fund acquisitions and renovations

• Pulling permits and managing projects with a contractor’s license

• Representing yourself with a real estate license

• Neighborhood-level investment insights in the Twin Cities

• Tenant screening, inspections, and hands-on project management

Episode Summary

In TCREI Show #35, we’re joined by Evan Kraljic, a self-taught investor, licensed contractor, and DIY renovation pro who has built an impressive rental portfolio through smart leverage and relentless hustle. Evan began his real estate journey by househacking a duplex in 2019, then used the equity he built to fund subsequent purchases.

With a background in engineering, Evan applied his analytical mindset to real estate—earning both his contractor’s and real estate sales licenses to maximize autonomy. He shares the full breakdown of how he uses HELOCs to finance acquisitions and renovations, how he screens tenants, pulls permits, and selects properties with care. Packed with neighborhood-specific tips and real numbers, this episode is a must-listen for any investor ready to scale with precision.

Guest Info

Evan Kraljic Real Estate Investor | Licensed Contractor | Licensed Agent Based in the Twin Cities Specializing in equity-driven scaling, DIY rehabs, and in-house deal structuring

Sponsor

Shuk Rentals Minnesota-based property management software designed to help real estate investors make more money, reduce vacancies, streamline rental efficiencies, and more. Website: www.shukrentals.com Promo Code: TCREI20 — Get 20% off all subscriptions for the first year

Resources & Links

• Listen on Spotify

• Apply with Tim – Mortgage Application

• Book a Strategy Call with Adam

• Book a Strategy Call with Tim

• Twin Cities Investing Facebook Group

• Twin Cities Investing Meetup Group

• Twin Cities Investing Website

• Contact Adam: [e-mail]

• Contact Tim: [e-mail]

⭐ Please Rate, Follow & Share

If you found this episode valuable, leave a review, subscribe on Spotify, and share it with a fellow investor or friend in your network.

About the Show

The Twin Cities Real Estate Investing Show is hosted by Tim Swierczek, a mortgage expert with over 22 years of experience and 2,000+ loans closed, and Adam Tafel, a top-producing Realtor and Twin Cities investor. Each week, they dive into real-world investing strategies, share local market insights, and interview active investors to help you grow your portfolio — one smart decision at a time.

Meet Your Hosts

Tim Swierczek Mortgage Loan Officer | Real Estate Investor Specializing in house hacking, investment lending, and creative finance Based in the Twin Cities Apply with Tim | Book a Call Email: [e-mail]

Adam Tafel Realtor | Real Estate Investor Helping clients buy, sell, and invest in Twin Cities real estate Based in Highland Park Book a Call Email: [e-mail]