All Forum Posts by: Christian Bernhagen

@John Warren I appreciate the suggestions. I've almost completed the process of joining KW in their Downers Grove office. As a part-time agent I am going to start out with my inner circle/sphere of my immediate friends and family. I am starting with Main Street, but you make a good point about joining CAR. I am going to play it by ear this year and see how things go initially before making additional decisions.

@Jonathan Klemm Thank you for the suggestions! I would like to use my license part-time initially as a side-business for friends and family. Also, for my property investments. KW and CB are my top choices right now, but it would be great to chat with you on the route you took. 

@Mark Ainley Thank you! That would fantastic. Yes, sort of at a crossroads on where to go right now. I am a big fan of your podcast by the way since you and Tom started it.

I work a full-time job as a commercial property tax consultant.

Hello all!

I received my broker's license in Chicago on Halloween of last year and have had difficulty finding good recommendations (for part-time agents specifically). I am targeting either Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker due to their training programs and overall great reviews for developing agents and their skills. I am based out in Wheaton and would like to start in the suburbs this year, but plan on moving to downtown Chicago later this fall and am looking at the Gold Coast area. With your experience as a full or part-time agent, where do you recommend I start looking/applying in Wheaton/Western Suburbs area then downtown Chicago eventually? Your input would be much appreciated!

@John Warren Especially with low money down you make a good point that, in today's Chicago market, cash flow will not be there on a duplex at least. Also, something like a modest double digit COC and an appreciation factor is definitely what I should be looking at. Thank you for the insight it is much appreciated! Time to keep looking, plugging forward and remaining patient.

@Jeremy Holleb I agree on the creative financing end of things. Yes, lets definitely talk.

@Jonathan Klemm Thank you Jonathan. Yes, I think moving quickly is key in today's market and getting that first deal is always the hardest. I have been studying the real estate business since last March and have attended countless webinars, networking events, investor groups and have read over 15+ real estate books. So, my knowledge is there and I am ready to get out of analysis paralysis and start DOING!  

@Victor So Thank you for the insight Victor! Your advice will come very helpful for me when considering Airbnb and location. 

@Matthew Porcaro Thank you for the advice! I agree with you on the state of the market. The prices are vastly inflated right now as you know and finding a solid investment is difficult, but I will not move off of my criteria as you suggested. I don't believe a deal is truly worth investing in unless cash flow is at least $400/unit along with signing high-quality tenants to 2-year leases. Month-to-month is a risky play and something I would never do. I won't let emotion or the hype get in the way of finding a great deal. Time to keep looking!