All Forum Posts by: Del Kirksey

Thanks @Michael Facchini, that's my plan and I appreciate the referral. 

Thanks @Jeff Burdick, I'll look into those areas. 

I definitely plan to rent for a few months before I jump in.

Thanks again @Matthew McMahon, I've already been pre-approved for up to $300k here in Cincinnati. Not sure if that is a nationwide pre-approval but it seems like it should be. I guess I have some research to do on the different neighborhoods. 

I'd just really like to avoid buying a home in a nightmare neighborhood just because it matched my price point.

Thanks @Scott Passman

@Matthew McMahon, @Ibn Abney thanks to you two as well. Would you guys say that the $200K+ range is specific to certain neighborhoods or is that pretty much city-wide? 

Asking because the barrier to entry here in Cincinnati is much lower at the moment, I can get a livable 2-unit for around $75k-$100k in a decent area and add value quickly. Moving up to that range may derail my goal of investing in real estate for much longer than I would have imagined. Am I being unrealistic if I expect to get started in the city with about $17-$20k? or is it just a matter of me becoming more creative to get where I want to be?

Also, @Ibn that is my intention at the moment. To rent a place for the short-term until I can have a better look at the market once I'm actually in the city. 

Thanks for the advice guys.

Hey BP,

My name is Del and this is my first official post on BP. I started my RE journey a few months back after spending some time on BP and reading books to educate myself on best practices. Ultimately, all signs pointed to "just get started" so here I am. A few months ago I hired an agent and we've been in and out of contracts here in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I've lived for 8 years now however I just received news that I will be moving to Chicago with my job in the next two months. 

I know nothing about Chicago outside of Downtown which I've visited a few times. Would anyone have any advice or resources on getting started in a new city if my goal is to owner occupy a multi-unit dwelling (budget: ~175k)? I will be working in the loop so my main thing is being near public transit wherever I live. I also plan to find short-term housing, possibly with a roommate, somewhere until I'm comfortable jumping into the Chicago market.

Areas I've investigated so far just via hearsay on here and other forums: Oak Park, Pilsen, Marshal, Mckinley Park, Bridgeport

Again, I am completely new to the market so any advice is appreciated,

Del

@Mark Yelka, I know this is 6 years later but there is NO WAY I'd agree to any of the conditions in your post as a property owner. That's just outlandish. 

1. No right to enter outside of emergency? HA! This is my property -- insert inspection clause.
2. Once a month? HA! -- Maybe once a week -- I'm trying to sell here!
3. Have you ever purchased a home? You absolutely MUST look inside closets, cupboards and cabinets. Sellers could be hiding extreme property damage in those places.
4. OK this one actually moderately reasonable.... kudos

Sorry, I really had to say something because this kind of ticked me off.