Hi! New member here from Chicago.

[Neil R.]

Hi, I'm Neil. Just came across the forums and figured I'd check it out. I've currently been investing in REO's in the Chicagoland area for the past few years, primarily flips but it seems like a lot of the "good deals" are stating to go away so I'm looking at different sources now.

[Chaz Reid]

Welcome to BP @Neil R.

[Daniel Mohnkern]

Hi Neal! Welcome to BP.  This is the best place to be to find the right strategy for your investing and to network with others doing the same things.  Best of success to you, and if there is any way I can help you, let me know.

[Larry Fried]

@Neil R. Hi and welcome to BP!

[Neil R.]

Thanks for the warm welcomes guys!

[Brie Schmidt]

Welcome to BP!  We have a great group of local investors here

[Neil R.]

It would be great to brain storm with the locals!

[Chris Carollo]

@Neil R.

 I may be about a month late but welcome to BP! I'm an investor/rehabber/landlord based in Western Springs.  I'm also a huge Porsche guy too, spent Sunday at the PCA Autocross Event. 

What are you looking for these days? We are actively looking for opportunities in the west and south suburbs of Chicago.

[Neil R.]

Originally posted by @Chris Carollo:

@Neil R.

 I may be about a month late but welcome to BP! I'm an investor/rehabber/landlord based in Western Springs.  I'm also a huge Porsche guy too, spent Sunday at the PCA Autocross Event. 

What are you looking for these days? We are actively looking for opportunities in the west and south suburbs of Chicago.

I was at the PCA even too, I was in my Audi S4 my 997 Turbo, was in the shop still.  We're doing a lot in the western burbs as well.  We do mostly new construction, but after the downturn we started doing a lot of rehabs.  Are you going to the autocross at ABCC next month?

[Dale Stevens]

I am in Downers, we are all pretty close. I recently had breakfast with a guy in Hinsdale. He has been investing for 20+ years. I learned more in that 40 minutes or so than I had at any seminar or book. 

[Gino Forte]

@Neil R.

Have you ever considered wholesaling or buying-and-holding for rental income versus rehabbing? Also, I wanted to say greetings from Miami, FL and welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I highly recommend that you check out ALL of the BP podcasts because they contain a lot of valuable and insightful information that will help you expand your business. Have a good one!

[Neil R.]

Originally posted by @Gino Forte:

@Neil R.

Have you ever considered wholesaling or buying-and-holding for rental income versus rehabbing? Also, I wanted to say greetings from Miami, FL and welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I highly recommend that you check out ALL of the BP podcasts because they contain a lot of valuable and insightful information that will help you expand your business. Have a good one!

No, I really haven't.  My Dad is my Attorney and all I hear is horror stories about bad renters so I have tended to stay away from the rental game.  

[Neil R.]

Originally posted by @Dale Stevens:

I am in Downers, we are all pretty close. I recently had breakfast with a guy in Hinsdale. He has been investing for 20+ years. I learned more in that 40 minutes or so than I had at any seminar or book. 

 Maybe we can all go out for coffee sometime and brain storm, it's always good to meet new people in this.  

[Gino Forte]

I hear you, that can be absolutely true but the benefits are good too. Like any business, it has its pros and its cons, you would just have to weigh the risks versus the rewards and see how comfortable you are with it. What are you thoughts on wholesaling?

[Dale Stevens]

To me, Bad Renters are a product of lazy or bad landlords. There are a ton of bad drivers on the road each day. Every hear of the wrong way drivers? but you don't stop driving do you? 

[Xavier Y.]

Hey welcome to BP @Neil R.

I second Dale's comment on "Bad Renters" They tend to be the fault of an unorganized and lenient landlord. You have to set rules and follow them, otherwise tenants will walk all over you. Also, don't your father's experiences deter you from trying different investment strategies.  Although Chicago is really tenant-friendly, buy and hold can be a very lucrative strategy if you are diligent and organized. 

I'm in Westchester, so I'm pretty close to La Grange. In fact, I went to high school there. It seems like there are a lot of investors in this area. Great opportunity to connect and learn from each other, even partner up on deals!

To your success, Neil! And once again, welcome!

[Brandon Turner]

Hey @Neil R. welcome! It’s great to have you on board. We are always glad to have experienced investors join the site! We always are looking for more help answering questions here in the forums, so anytime you can jump in and offer advice, we'd love it!

Oh - and be sure to set up some keyword alerts - especially for "La Grange" so you'll be notified when people mention it here in the forums.

Thanks again for introducing yourself!