New to BiggerPockets and Investing!

[Tyler Jones]

Good afternoon BiggerPockets! 

I just joined the site and have decided I want to get involved in investing! We currently live in the far Northwest burbs of Chicago, An area I've read is a little tough for investing. I am in the infancy stage (or zygote stage if that exists). I don't have any potential properties lined up and am at this point just looking at different financing options, and of course doing tons of reading. Ideally, I'd like to build this into a career - Isn't financial freedom why we're all here!? SFH and/or condos seem like the way I would start, and commercial property or strip malls has appeal as well. Would love to connect and hear insights from those of you who have had success (and failures) in the Chicago market.

Cheers,

Tyler 

[Jonathan Klemm]

Hey @Tyler Jones!  Welcome to BP and congrats on your first post.  It is awesome that you are asking questions and starting on your real estate journey.  Which NW suburb are you in?

I'm originally from Elgin, but now I live down in Chicago.  I am pretty familiar with the NW corridor, so happy to help in any way I can.  I'd start by getting pre-approved (maybe by @Zack Karp or @Michael Facchiniboth great investor lenders), then connect with a realtor (like @Michael J Scanlon or @Sarita Scherpereel), the combination of that team should help you figure out your purchasing power and find some awesome deals.

I always suggest taking fast action, networking, and reading