All Forum Posts by: Laretta Young

Thank you @Patrick J Page!

Hello Jimmy,

I am also in the same boat. I live in Los Angeles and would like to invest in either a single family home in the suburbs or multi-family unit within the city. As @Sarita Scherpereel expressed, I too am biased as I have previously lived there for a number of years and loved it! Like Sarita mentioned learning what neighborhood to start is really important. I recently started listening to podcast started by I believe @Tom Shallcross (please correct me if I am wrong) called "Straight Up Chicago Investor" where they speak with investors on where they have had their success etc. in the Chicagoland area.  I also use the forums quite often and have it set to receive notifications when key words like "Chicago" are used; allowing me to learn experiences of Chicago investors.  

Places I've lived ranked top to bottom

1. Chicago, IL

2. Brooklyn, NY

3. Los Angeles, CA

4. St. Louis Metro Area

5. Philadelphia, PA

I have mostly lived in expensive cities, but hands down Chicago is a great city to live.  You get the city-like experience with suburban feels. Winters are harsh, but when summer comes around its all worth it.

@Michael Facchini Thanks for the feedback and providing some details of your experience.

@Oren Kachel Thanks for the tips and forwarding the article

@Scot Howat Thanks for the tip!  Yes, I recently checked out a Webinar about investing in the Midwest and this detail was highlighted about Chicago. 

@Michael Facchini I would love to house hack somewhere near Los Angeles, but do not believe there is anything I can afford there.  My eye has been on Chicago for various reasons like familiarity and contacts. As I am researching, I am learning what it means to invest in the Chicagoland area ie. the taxes, landlord laws, and lack of population growth.  I have a great appreciation for Chicago, but am finding that it may not be the first place I start.  Were any of these points ever a concern for you?  Do you recommend looking at the suburbs of Chicago?

@Darson Grantham I actually just purchased "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing" and am excited to learn how to invest out-of-state.

I would love to start my investment journey house hacking, but I currently live in Los Angeles, CA and cannot afford to invest there. If I am still living in Los Angeles when I am ready to invest, my first house/property will likely be out-of-state.  

Good to know that it is possible to still find deals there and the detail about the market during '08'.  A friend of mine who lives there has mentioned some of the points you highlighted about Des Monies.

Thank you for forwarding the articles!  I will take a peak to gain some more insight on the area.  

I appreciate the well wishes!

Hello @Remington Lyman,

I have not considered Columbus, OH.  I am not educated on the statistics or any of the neighborhoods in Columbus.

@Brad Bellstedt II tried finding the "The Crash Course" videos via YouTube, but could not find the series you suggested.  Do you know what channel it may be on?