Buy/rent market in Chicago, Milwaukee and NW Indiana - new member

[Erin Garcia]

I'm new to Bigger Pockets, located in the Chicago area, and an interested investor. I'm actively researching my first investment property to buy, rehab and rent. I've scouted places both physically and online in Milwaukee - single-family homes, South Side Chicago (Woodlawn area) - condos, and in NW Indiana (Hammond & Whiting) - multifamily and single-family homes. 

I'd appreciate any advice from any investors with experience in these markets! I know it's a range but any insights are appreciated given the varied markets. 

[Pete Woelfel]

I don't have any property in any of those neighborhoods, but know a few people who invest in Bayview and Riverwest and seem to like it.  I wouldn't put either of those into the "stay out of that area" bucket.  As @Brett Kash mentioned there are areas like that up here.

For me, I usually take a peek at the crime data for the area, drive around a bit (maybe have lunch at a restaurant in the area and even ask the servers about it if they live there), then look at rent prices and run the numbers.  I think if you do that in most areas of Milwaukee you'll be moving in the right direction.