WORST cities for permits, code enforcements, city inspectors

[Bobby Sharma]

I have had one of the worst experiences with rehabbing a home in Glendale Heights, IL (Suburb of Chicago) with the city inspectors. Some of the most picky, arrogant, expensive, nastiest, non-cooperative inspectors that I have ever met. Will never invest in that part of country again but I am curious to see what other cities to avoid. Wondering if we can get a list of the top 25 cities, municipalities to avoid for rehabbing. 

[Bob Floss II]

@Andy Mirza @Bobby Sharma All kidding aside, investors don't realize that some of the small suburbs surrounding Chicago have building and transfer restrictions that would make Chicago blush. You have to know which villages to avoid so you don't get stuck with a never ending project. 

The list above is a good start but you are missing a few: Cicero, Hillside, Bellwood, Elmwood Park, Evergreen Park, Franklin Park, Harvey, Harwood Heights, and Westchester.  

Calumet City and North Chicago are probably high on my list for annoyance factors. You have to personally go to their village hall to order the inspection (they won't do it over the phone) and then you have to go back and personally be at the property for the inspection.  The issue is Calumet City is a good 45 minute drive south of Chicago and North Chicago is actually about an hour drive north of Chicago (talk about false advertising). That's a lot of time driving back and forth.  Now if you live in or near those towns, you can get some great fix and flip deals. If not, you are wasting a ton of time and energy driving back and forth. 

I have a personal hatred for Hillside. I've done several closings there and the employees at the village hall are some of the nastiest, rudest people I have ever encountered.  I wouldn't want a property in Hillside if you gave it to me for free. 

I have a spreadsheet of all villages around Chicago that have some type of transfer stamp or requirement, PM me if you want it.