Chicago's South Side--good market or bad?

[Michael Newman]

Trying to wrap my head around the Chicago Southside sub market. Hoping to hear from folks who have invested there or professionals in that market for multi families. Been doing some research and learned from some articles and research reports that there's negative population growth, fairly stagnant wages, and Chicago has had a 50% increase in homicides in the past year. The properties (8-16 units) I've reviewed generally look attractive based on some very simple NOI calculations, but if stagnant incomes don't support rental increases it seems like the operating expense inflation will destroy cash flow in only a few years. Does anyone have on the ground knowledge/experience who can speak to the ability to increase in rents and operating expense inflation in the area to include utilities, insurance, property taxes; and what affects they have seen over the past year given the increase in crime? Neighborhoods I've looked at include Englewood, Jackson park, Bronzeville, Hyde Park, South Shore.

If anyone has recommendations for apt building property managers pls pm me. 

Thanks

Michael