Looking to buy in Hinsdale or La Grange, IL within 2 1/2 months

[Johnathan Butler]

Hello BP Nation,

First, thank you for taking the time to read my post. BP has been an awesome resource. I've been reading/researching for about 4 years and really getting serious the last 6 months. My wife and I are moving from TN to Chicago in November or December and I am looking to owner/occupy my first investment property. I'm looking for a 3/2 with a full basement which can be used as a rental property. I'm also open to du, tri, and quadplexes...and any other options where the numbers make sense. I will be working in Wheaton but would like to be centrally located between there and downtown Chicago. So my questions are as follows:

1) Does anyone have a recommendation for an experienced RE agent and GC in the Hinsdale/La Grange area?

2) Does anyone have experience buying/renovating properties that they aren't able to see on a daily/weekly basis? If so, how did you monitor progress and mitigate risk? 

3) What other area's in Chicago are safe and/or up and coming? 

4) Can anyone recommend a local REIG that I can get plugged into upon arrival?

One last note, I would like to find and work with other REIs (brokers, agents, GCs, wholesalers, etc) on a reoccurring basis. Although this will be my first property, it will not be my last.  Again, thank you and God bless.