A unique start to real estate

[Sean Douglas]

I am brand new to real estate investing and I am hoping genuinely the BP community can help me out. I am in a somewhat unique situation and would love some references and guidance on the issues I have. 

I have a home that was built in the mid 1950s and needs major renovation. I own the house outright and need help finding a reliable and quality contractor who won't try to gouge me. I am also looking for an agent or a contractor who does flips in this area who can provide me with the best value adds. the house is currently a 3 bd 1.5 bath and turning it into a 3bd 2 bth I am unsure how it would work due to the layout being a bit odd. Looks like parts of the building were built as additions probably in the 70s.

I am living in the house and have done quite a bit of renovation already but I have essentially hit my skill barrier. I am concerned about cost to a degree but I feel if I have the correct guidance on what would be the smart way to use my money on the house it could be of huge value to me.

Any and all suggestions and guidance are welcome and appreciated. 

The area for this property is South Suburbs of Chicago IL. Alsip - Oak Lawn - Crestwood Area.