local area real estate market

[Miles White]

My question is for local real estate investors in the Chicago area or for anyone who is familiar with the Chicago land market. Now I am interested in becoming a real estate investor and I'm going as far as receiving my real estate license but but I'm having mixed feelings about it because I hear so many times that the Chicago market isn't great and I would not be able to have success out here being a real estate investor, I would like to hear from some investors who either whole sale, or flip houses to get their take on the market and if there is promise of success out in Chicago/Illinois  or should I move to a location which has a much better market?

[Crystal Smith]

@Miles White We invest in Chicago & other markets.  This includes deals for our own portfolio plus deals we sell and/or partner w/ other investors.   Success here requires really doing your due diligence (reference remarks from @Dooreuhn Cee on this thread); continuously growing your network (there are multiple local REI groups to join where you'll meet people who are successful in Chicago) & thinking like Mike Ditka (you have to be tough.)

Regarding a real estate license- It's not required to be successful in the business. It can help but it's not a pre-requisite. Access to the MLS and/or relationships w/ realtors that work w/ investors is however a pre-requisite.