More listings means more options to choose from and could mean better deals.

Also ask who the natural buyer is if you choose to sell the property they sell to you.

If you are going to be a serious investor, use Turbo Tax (choose the version that fits your needs) and play with it making various changes to see how things affect your taxs.

If they choose to stay, make it clear they are accepting the property as is.

Then, choose the best of those you interviewed.Appreciation is a good thing in real estate.

Also - I dont want to be tied to having to provide CHA housing only. is there a provision in Chicago area for those who are CHA authorized landlords, they can choose not to do that (even while actively qualified?)

But I could also 1031 exchange it later, if I choose to sell after that time.

I know you were asking what other options, and I think this is something you can do in addition to whatever you choose.

If you choose to accept it, make them apply and pass your screening, add them to the lease, and charge extra rent to make it worth your trouble.

@Emmanuel OlaIf you can get a longer term conventional loan I would choose that over a hard money loan every time - this is of course assuming the hard money loan has higher interest rate as well as a shorter maturity date