that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

While it requires some extra coordination, it keeps their returns clean and operational costs transparent.If the fee feels too high, consider loan servicing software with modular pricing.

With a dynamic real estate market, diverse neighborhoods, and high rental demand, Chicago is a fantastic place to invest in house hacking. 

The rate will also be high. 

Hey Christopher,Regarding utilities, if they are not on separate meters, I highly encourage implementing RUBS for w/s/t.

If you are looking at a 30 yr fixed DSCR, high 8s-10s depending on LTV, PPP, and Unit Count Rates highly depend on the type of loan and your qualifications.

On the flip side, the margins aren’t quite as high as with rehab projects.

Highly recommend Umbrella Insurance ^

Traditional deals often don’t excite investors—offering $200/month in cash flow isn’t very compelling.But with co-living, you can offer 5X the returns, making it much easier to secure funding.Now, instead of asking an investor to put up a 20% down payment for $200/month cash flow, you can pitch them a 5% down investment yielding $1,000+/month—a much more attractive deal.Why Co-Living is the FutureCo-living isn’t just another strategy—it’s a high-demand, high-cash-flow, lower-risk investment model that aligns with today’s rental market trends.

If you want to manage your own properties, I would highly recommend buying within an hour of your primary.