A nice multi family property that you can do some light fixtures on sounds like a perfect strategy for you so you and your wife can have your own unit.

Install cameras and exterior lighting on timers, place no trespassing signs, and place items that indicate occupancy - like a BIG dog bowl near the front door, shoes, etc. 

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

To deter the break-ins you need to have window coverings on all the windows, a light on and not advertise that the unit is vacant.

Such luxury as indoor/outdoor pool, park for skateboard, tennis court, tiki bar with dance floor… of course if you need to think about the ROI and how much maintenance it takesBest ROI items are - big screen TV, hot tub, playground, PS5, BBQ…The issue is cheaper items require more maintenance.

Sometimes you can bring to life an old cabinet simply by painting it, putting new hardware on, and maybe updating a light fixture in the room that shines brighter, and not yellow. 

Looking into getting my hands dirty and doing light rehabs or updates.  

Real estate is not something you can do "lightly" and do it well. 

In one of them, we get a lot of traffic, and the other is very light.

For example, you might leave $10,000–$25,000 in the deal, end up with a $3,000 monthly payment, and only collect $3,000 (or slightly less) in rent.This applies to my local market and primarily to Class B or higher real estate.You’re better off finding a solid property that needs only light cosmetic work (e.g., paint, flooring, or perhaps a kitchen or bathroom remodel), buying it at a decent discount, and putting down at least 25%.