What does it take to scale a profitable real estate business in just two years? For Illinois-based investors Matt Nosal and Damian Rapciak, it comes down to smart partnerships, strategic renovations, and using each deal as a stepping stone toward long-term financial freedom.
By teaming up on joint venture projects, the duo has flipped nearly 49 properties and built a portfolio of 13 rental homes—generating $16,000 per month in passive income. Their latest deal in Skokie, Illinois, is a perfect example of how savvy investors can turn a modest house into a six-figure opportunity.
For this particular deal, the duo purchased a home at auction for $292,000, invested around $60,000 in renovations, and expect to sell it for up to $500,000—leaving them with a potential profit between $80,000 and $100,000.
Inside the Skokie Flip: Small Home, Big Return
- Location: Skokie, Illinois
- Purchase Price: $292,000 (at auction)
- Rehab Budget: $60,000
- ARV (After Repair Value): $500,000
- Estimated Profit: $80,000–$100,000
This project is a masterclass in focusing only on high ROI renovations that move the needle—and doing it with budget discipline.
Kitchen: Opening Up the Profit Potential
The kitchen was one of the biggest opportunities to add value without spending a fortune. Matt and Damian opened up the wall between the kitchen and the living area to improve flow and create a more open feel – a move that cost about $1,000 but is expected to increase the resale value by up to $30,000.
They also added a central island to create a natural gathering point and replaced a closet with 36-inch cabinets finished with crown molding. These changes modernized the space instantly, making the home feel more spacious and functional, without expanding the footprint.
Basement & Bathrooms: More Rooms, More Revenue
The original layout offered 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms – not bad, but not ideal. So they got creative. By finishing part of the basement, they were able to add a fourth bedroom and convert the half bath into a second full bathroom.
This renovation cost around $8,000 and is expected to add $50,000 in value. In many neighborhoods, the jump from 3/1.5 to 4/2 full baths puts a property in a completely different price tier, appealing to larger families and investors alike.
The key? They didn’t add square footage—they reimagined existing space to offer more livable value.
Want to estimate the resale value of your next flip? Use New Silver’s free After-Repair Value (ARV) calculator to get accurate projections in minutes.
Renovate Strategically, Not Emotionally
Rather than overhauling every room, Matt and Damian focused on what buyers care most about. They skipped luxury finishes, instead investing in layout improvements and functional upgrades with high ROI.
This mindset – renovating with purpose, not passion – is a major factor in their success. Many new flippers blow the budget on custom details that don’t increase resale value. These two avoided that mistake by sticking to improvements that are aligned with the comps in the area. They’ve proven that restraint is just as important as creativity when it comes to flipping for profit.
The Long Term Strategy
Beyond the impressive profit potential of this Skokie deal, what really sets Matt and Damian apart is how they use flips to build long-term income. Rather than relying solely on flips, they reinvest their profits into rental properties. With 13 rental units now generating $16,000/month, they’ve built a strong cash flow engine that offers consistent income and long-term wealth.
This hybrid approach allows them to keep capital flowing through flips while steadily building equity through buy-and-hold investments—a powerful combination for financial freedom.
How They Found the Deal: Why Auctions Work
Matt and Damian’s $100K flip in Skokie wasn’t found through a traditional real estate agent or the MLS, it was won at auction. And while auctions might seem intimidating to newer investors, they can be one of the most profitable and underused tools in real estate investing.
Why Auctions Give Investors an Edge
The biggest benefit of auction deals is the potential to buy properties well below market value. Unlike MLS-listed homes, which often attract bidding wars and retail buyers, auctions tend to draw a smaller pool of investors, especially those who are prepared to move quickly and pay cash or hard money. This reduced competition gives savvy investors room to negotiate better margins and maximize profits.
In Matt and Damian’s case, purchasing the home at auction allowed them to enter the deal with built-in equity. With a purchase price of $292,000 and an expected resale value of $500,000, they didn’t need to rely on risky appreciation or over-the-top renovations to make the numbers work. The deal was already strong.
Auctions Offer Speed and Access to Distressed Assets
Another key benefit is speed. Traditional home purchases can take 30–60 days to close, but many auctions require buyers to complete the transaction within a week or two. This shorter timeline helps serious investors avoid delays and keep their capital moving.
Auctions also give access to distressed and off-market inventory that isn’t visible to the average homebuyer. Many of these properties are foreclosures, REOs (bank-owned), or tax-defaulted homes. While they may come with challenges, like limited inspection access or occupancy issues, they’re often priced to move, and ideal for experienced flippers who can evaluate risk and act fast.
How to Find Properties at Auction
If you’re interested in pursuing auction deals, there are several reliable ways to get started:
- Online Auction Platforms
Websites like Auction.com, Hubzu and more, list thousands of properties across the country. You can filter by state, property type, occupancy status, and even bidding deadlines. - County & Municipal Auctions
Many counties hold foreclosure or tax lien sales either online or in person. These are typically posted on your local county clerk or treasurer’s website. It’s worth signing up for their email alerts or newsletters to stay updated. - Bank REO Departments
Some banks sell their repossessed homes directly. Reach out to the REO departments of regional or national banks and ask to be notified when properties are released for sale. - Networking with Wholesalers & Agents
Some wholesalers specialize in auction properties or know about pre-foreclosures that are heading to auction. Build relationships locally and attend investor meetups where off-market deals are shared. - Public Records & Legal Notices
Foreclosure notices and trustee sales are often listed in local newspapers or posted on county websites. These require a bit more digging but can lead to great opportunities before they hit auction platforms.
Preparation Is Everything
Buying at auction isn’t for everyone, but if you’re prepared, it can be a powerful advantage. Matt and Damian recommend doing thorough due diligence on each property: check comps, estimate rehab costs, verify the title and tax status, and if possible, visit the property. Most importantly, have your financing lined up before you bid. Auctions often require proof of funds or immediate deposits, so having a reliable lender like New Silver in your corner can make the difference.
Advice for Investors Looking to Scale
Matt and Damian’s journey offers a roadmap for new and growing investors. They didn’t reinvent the wheel, they just executed the fundamentals exceptionally well. They partnered wisely, managed budgets with discipline, and made calculated improvements based on what buyers actually want.
For those starting out, the biggest lesson is this: you don’t need to start big, you just need to start smart. Whether it’s your first flip or your fifth rental, success comes from strategy, not scale. Focus on value-add opportunities, reinvest profits into cash-flowing properties, and always keep your eye on the bigger picture: building long-term wealth, not just one-off wins.
Who Are Matt and Damian?
Matt Nosal and Damian Rapciak are driven, full-time real estate investors with a complementary set of skills. Matt brings a sharp eye for financial analysis and acquisitions, while Damian thrives in managing construction and renovation workflows. Their partnership was born from a shared goal: build a thriving real estate empire faster by combining forces.
Rather than working solo and flipping one or two properties per year, they realized that teaming up could accelerate growth. Since joining forces, they’ve not only increased their deal flow, but also strengthened their systems, developing repeatable processes for analyzing deals, managing contractors, and selling at top dollar.
Their story reflects a growing trend in real estate: collaboration over competition. By working together and dividing responsibilities according to their strengths, Matt and Damian have been able to take on larger projects and scale their portfolio more efficiently than if they had continued independently.
