All Forum Posts by: Jarret Jarvis

Hey Zach, congrats on growing your STR portfolio, that's awesome progress 👏 #LETSGO

Hey Maya, great questions!

You technically don’t need to give notice to enter common areas since those aren’t part of the tenant’s leased premises, but it’s still best practice to give a heads-up if you’ll be doing something disruptive (repairs, inspections, etc.).

If tenants are using common spaces for personal storage or plugging in appliances, that’s definitely something you should address. You can send a polite written notice (email is fine) reminding them that the common areas are shared and not for private use or personal items. You can also mention that using electricity from those outlets isn’t permitted since it increases building utility costs.

Keep it simple and direct!

Welcome back to Chicago! 🌆 That’s awesome that you’ve already got a real estate background and are now looking to pivot into full-time investing, that international perspective probably gives you a great edge on spotting opportunities others might miss.

A few quick thoughts as you make the transition:

• Chicago’s a great base for cash-flow properties while you build systems that can run remotely.

• Focus on mastering property management and deal analysis tech, that’s what makes investing “location independent.”

• Happy to connect anytime and swap notes or resources, always good to learn from someone who’s already been in the business since 2017.

Welcome to the journey! 🙌 You’re doing it exactly right, starting early, focusing on learning, and connecting with others. House hacking is one of the best entry points into real estate, especially here in Illinois where you can still find solid multi-units that make the numbers work.

A couple quick tips while you prep:

• Start talking to local lenders early (some offer low-down-payment options for 2–4 units).

• Network with local investors, check out meetups in Chicago, northwest burbs, or BiggerPockets Illinois threads.

• Use the next year to analyze deals weekly so you build your “numbers instinct” before you buy.

If you ever want to bounce ideas or look at sample deals together, happy to connect and help you think through it. Welcome aboard! 🚀

Welcome to Chicago MF! A few “devil in the details” notes I see often on sub-$2M (mostly C-class/vintage):

• Underwriting quirks: In Cook County, taxes can jump post-sale/reassessment—stress test NOI with +20–35% tax sensitivity and budget for appeals. Model rents at “achievable after light value-add,” not CoStar top-quartile. Most owners use move-in fees vs. security deposits (Chicago RLTO penalties are brutal if you slip).

• Building fundamentals: Check electric (fuses/60A), boiler vs. GFA, galvanized/copper mix, clay sewers (scope them), porch permits/condition, lintels/tuckpointing, window age, roof layer count, and water service line (lead is common). Garden units—verify ceiling height/egress and zoning legality (don’t underwrite phantom units).

• Zoning/legal: Lots of “legal non-conforming” 3-flats—confirm unit count with the Certificate of Zoning Compliance. RS-3 vs RT-4 matters for future layout/ADU potential (select areas allow coach/garden ADUs).

• Ops & tenant law: Chicago RLTO + “Fair Notice” rules—plan renewals/MTM strategy accordingly. Separate utilities help; if house-heat, bake that gas into expenses. Consider professional PM for first year.

• Where to look (value + path-of-progress): Albany/Irving Park, Avondale fringe, Portage/Jefferson Park, Hermosa/Belmont Cragin, Bridgeport/McKinley Park, Bronzeville/Woodlawn pockets, Rogers Park/South Shore (block-by-block).

• Debt: 2–4 units = resi terms; 5+ = DSCR/bridge/local bank. Locals beat nationals on rehab draws and rate floors.

If helpful, I can send my Chicago MF rehab/lease-up budget template, a lender/GC/PM shortlist, and a few on- and off-market deals that fit BRRRR math. Shoot me a DM and tell me your target sub-markets/return hurdles.

Hey Everton — welcome to the BiggerPockets community!

Love your mission around low-income housing and using syndications to uplift your community. It’s awesome that you’ve already taken the initiative to get licensed in both real estate and lending—those tools will come in handy once you start putting deals together.

If you ever want to connect or talk through how to get that first syndication rolling, feel free to reach out. Always happy to help however I can!

Wishing you the best as you get started,

Jarret #letsgo

Hey Everton, welcome to the BiggerPockets community — and props to you for taking the initiative to get licensed in both real estate and lending. That’s a solid foundation to build from.

Love your mission around syndications and investing in low-income housing — we need more people thinking long-term and making an impact in their communities. I’m based in Chicago and work with a lot of investors here, so if you're ever looking to connect, brainstorm deals, or talk strategy, I’d be happy to chat.

Let’s keep building — reach out anytime!

– Jarret #letsgo

Hey Keegan! Love that you're already investing in yourself with a franchise — that entrepreneurial mindset is a huge asset in real estate too.

For first-time investments, a great starting point might be house hacking — buying a small multi-unit property (like a duplex or triplex), living in one unit, and renting out the others. It can drastically reduce (or eliminate) your living expenses and help you build equity with minimal upfront capital.

Since savings are tight, you might explore low down payment options like FHA loans (3.5% down) or conventional loans (3–5% down) if you plan to live in the property. Partnering with someone or even exploring creative financing (like seller financing or lease options) could also be viable depending on your market and risk tolerance.

Keep saving consistently, keep learning, and keep networking — real estate rewards the patient and persistent. Let me know if you’re ever down to connect — I’m based in Chicago and always happy to chat!

Wishing you momentum and great deals ahead!

– Jarret #letsgo

Hey Chan, welcome to the world of real estate and to BiggerPockets — you're in the right place!

I’m also based in Chicago and actively involved in investing, wholesaling, and real estate sales. Love your energy and mindset — surrounding yourself with the right people really does make all the difference.

Would be happy to connect, share some insights, and help however I can. Let’s grow together — feel free to DM me anytime.

Wishing you nothing but momentum and good deals ahead!

– Jarret

Hey Connor!

Welcome to the journey — I’m house hacking in the Chicago area as well! It’s an awesome strategy to get started, especially in today’s market. I’ve been building my network of lenders, agents, and contractors too, and would be happy to share what I’ve learned and swap notes.

Let’s definitely connect — always good to have more local investor friends in the mix! #letsgo