New Investor from Chicago, IL

[Steve Henry]

Hello BiggerPockets Community!

My name is Steve Henry and I am a new investor from the Chicagoland area.  I've lived in this area my whole life and I'm looking to get started generating cash flow from rental properties.  Like many of you, I turned to the internet and stumbled upon this great resource known as BiggerPockets. I have some experience in property management and leasing, but would like to purchase a multifamily property and see where it goes from there.  I plan on focusing on buy and hold properties in the beginning but will consider other types of investments.  Some of my hobbies include sports, traveling, music and enjoying time with family and friends. 

A few questions for other investors on the site:

How did you find your first deal?

What is the biggest struggle you faced when you were a new investor?

How did you overcome that struggle?

What are some books that you'd recommend for new investors?

Thanks!