New to REI looking to invest in Cleveland and Chicago surrounding areas

[Jalia Tucker]

Hello everyone,

Very new to investing and trying to navigate all the options. I currently have no investment properties, but have the goal of 10 in the next 5 years. I think the Midwest is up and coming and I chose my locations for nostalgia reasons and because I have family in both areas. Also amount of money to invest is another concern. I took out a HELOC and am trying to maximize how it's used and stretch it as far as possible. My thought was to invest in growing areas with more affordable properties and lower rents so slower growth over time, but I also have short term goals and don't know how to balance both desires.

I have also toyed with the idea of turnkey properties as well as syndications, but I am not exactly sure I have enough assets to assume the risk. Lastly the concept of asset protection seems overwhelming and I am not sure how to build things, and I want make the least amount of mistakes from the beginning.

Would love to connect with anyone in either the Cleveland or Chicago area. I'm continuing to read and research on my own but would love to connect.