Using data to find vacancy rates by zip code.

[James Stirgus]

Hi all,

I am a military veteran from Chicago and I am looking to purchase my first 3 to 4 unit property using the house hacking method. My plan is to utilize my VA loan which has the benefit of putting no money down. I have found that the Chicago market is very competitive to not only find deals but to find reasonably priced deals in good areas. I have bought a few lists that I will utilize to cold call owners in the zip codes I wouldn't mind living in for the minimum year that is required by the VA.

Until I find my deal, I have been analyzing deals daily from the mls to get a feel for what numbers work and don't work and one variable to my analysis is vacancy rate. Is there a data source you all use to find vacancy rates? I am looking to find this data by the zip code to see how much additional cash I should have reserved. Any additional feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

James