New Investor in Southwest Chicago

[Eric Sanders]

Hey there BP Community,

My name is Eric and am trying to get the ball rolling on this real estate investing thing. I'm originally from Beverly, Chicago near the southwest border, but recently moved to Tinley Park once I finished school this past May. For the past 6 months, I've read a number books/articles/blogs and have just begun listening to podcasts as well, and am hoping to learn as much as I need to so I can acquire my first multi-family property before my lease ends in August.

I'm looking in several areas I'm familiar with (Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Tinley Park, areas in between) to buy and hold small multi-family properties, with "add-value" opportunity, but am willing to look at single family homes as well, seeing that the multi-family properties aren't as readily available as I once thought. I've reached out to a couple realtors, and am already pre-approved for SFH & multi-family purchases (through FHA).

Before I begin making offers, are there any other steps I can take to see that I'm as best prepared as can be?

Also, if anyone has any realtor / contractor / CPA / attorney suggestions that are familiar with investing and the area, feel free to let me know

Thank you in advance, BP community, for helping me get going!