Companies avoid locations with high operating costs from taxes, insurance, and over-regulation.

Some focus purely on numbers, while others look at long-term value, location trends, or creative financing strategies.For those of you investing in Chicago (or similar markets), whats your mindset when evaluating off-market opportunities?

Where was this house located?

I am looking for ideas on locating an equity partner who can provide collateral for a commercial loan to purchase a self storage facility.  

We specifically locate ideal investment locations throughout the US that offer the best returns for cash flow, appreciation & equity.

Solid SFH house in the appreciating location with 10% off from the initial listing price.

and there are no major US holidays, so we have to get in 2-4 years in advance to secure our location.

Buy box: Location: Approx. 30 min drive to Boston Heights, for workNeighborhoods: Decent walkability score - not far from shops/restaurants/trendy neighborhoodsIdeal tenants: Close to hospitals/universities/schools for professionals/students/familiesBudget: $175-250K - Buying w/conventional loan, 5% down/ approx 20K reno.Property type: MFH 2-4 units - preferably side-by-side, with a yard we can fence for our dogUnits: 3+/1+ - better if 1.5/2 bath per unitTimeline: Plan to live there for 2 years, but possibly only 1 year if we find another investment opportunityGoal: Focus on appreciation - would like to see cash flow in year 2-3 (the year we move out), including overhead (Vacancies, Maintenance, Utilities) and budgeting in PM if eventually we don't manage ourselvesValue add: Opportunity for some forced appreciation, but not a full reno - cosmetic upgrades and updating kitchens/baths while we live in one unit.

I believe the land where many of these brick and mortar locations exist may ultimately be the prize because they are often well situated. 

Our home is located in the Fifeville neighborhood near 5th Street.