What do you suggest 

Since you’re committed to staying close to family, I’d suggest focusing on properties that might need a little work but have potential for appreciation in your market.

My one suggestion: do not conduct business with anyone (here or anywhere) without having your lawyer and maybe even your CPA reviewing all the paperwork.Also, stay far away from LPs.

If anyone has any suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated! 

If you're getting started, I'd suggest focusing on single-family homes in growth areas with strong population trends—let me know if you need help finding the right deal!

That is a great suggestion. 

In addition to Nathan's great recommendations, I also suggest verifying that the PMC is licensed.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

Quote from @Monish Anand: Start by looking for personal recommendations from investors in that market, then look on realtor.com or a google search.DO NOT use agents suggested by a website like realtor, Zillow, etc.

@Venka Pulla Many smaller PMCs are unprofessional, they can also be vindictive.So, suggest you get all the info you can from your Owner Portal before terminating them.Also, hire a new PMC BEFORE terminating the current PMC.Then, terminate and work closely with the new PMC to get tenant payments switched over and whatever documentation is missing.Hopefully, you'll screen for a new PMC better than you did to pick the current one!