I purchased a home 2.5 years ago utilizing the New York First Homebuyers Club which gives you approximately 8k in grants if you meet certain criteria, which I did.

Yep, gotta have a great PM that will not only handle the management, but coordinate renovations, turnovers, aquisitions.Go meet them, look at a few of the properties they manage, ask about their systems, processes, etc.

The best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and ensure your property meets them before your initial inspection.

Chicago’s market might not always meet this, but it’s a good benchmark for evaluation.What are your thoughts on starting with a house hack or using a HELOC to fund your first deal?

Start with networking, go to all events you can and follow up with who you meet.

I am sure some will do it with phone and e mail etc.. but I suspect they miss the best deals.Just like top wholesalers they have buying agents when a lead comes in that buying agent is over to the house and meeting with the folks ASAP so they can lock it up.. if they are non owner occ then yes this is different but now your talking about investors as sellers different mind set .  

I was able to replenish emergency fund money I had to dip into for furnishing, was able to pay off a hot tub, was able to replace 2 garage doors and paid for a larger repair this year.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

You might also meet title agents who have resources on, say, foreclosures or probates…and might recommend lenders who actually lend on more difficult projects (as the title companies also know which lenders can close and which are difficult).I also go visit open houses to see what sorts of finish to put on my renovations or to look for the next house or area in which to purchase.  

Attend meet-ups.