Ok, Biggerpockets, I need some advice from all of the Chicago, Illinois users....Any advice on where to go to get a great taste of Chicago? 

This of course leaves a bad taste in the mouth of those involved due to the time wasted.I'm sure there are good wholesalers out there, just as I believe there are good car salesmen, but it's the bad ones that ruin it for all of us.Here is an example of the typical bad experiences when dealing with wholesalers for those of you that are just catching up to the subject:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/2284...

Tasteful or not it seems to be working in some cases.http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/oregon-resident...What are your thoughts on it?

I've made it my goal to successfully buy and renovate a property there so as to get my first taste of real-estate investing.

You would have quite a range to choose from and most should go with tenant/buyer tastes. 

It was easy for me to maintain and gave me a taste of what real estate is like (rental wise).Since you are handy maybe buy a small house to flip, fix up or rent.  

If she gets the taste of another buyer there is a good chance you will get kicked to the curb.For quick #'s if the total rents are $6K per month.  

Most realtors are interested in helping a couple find a house they are emotionally attached to or to help a seller offload a home so they can find something more suited to their taste/circumstances.

COC is too low for my taste.

This way I get a taste and don't get fat.