Looking for Insight into Investing in Rockford, IL

[Aaron Mikottis]

Hey everyone! I'm a newbie investor looking to get started with buy-n-hold rental properties in the Rockford area. I saw on a BP blog post that the area offers excellent cap rates so I am beginning to research the area. I'm going to be attending the Rockford Apartment Association meeting on the 15th of September but hopefully I can get a jump start on some insight from you, dear reader.

Here are some of the questions I'd like to ask at the meeting - if anyone could provide some answers, I would greatly appreciate it! If I am missing a key question, please let me know about that as well.

Who should I know?

What do you think of the Amerock Hotel Redevelopment?

Do you think that the Amtrack expansion will become a reality in the next five years?

What neighborhoods should I avoid?

What are the disadvantages to investing in Rockford?

Where do you see Rockford in the next five years?