Anything on the west side of Downtown is already very pricy and won't cashflow so you're most likely going to look at the East and SouthEast side.

Reno, on the other hand in the heart of the West, offers a more consistent track record-just what you want for peace of mind in your investments.Key Points:1) Reno is holding its own with solid occupancy rates for multifamily properties.2) Across the West, occupancy is more consistent, and Reno fits right into this pattern.3) For a balanced approach to investment, Reno’s stability is worth considering.For those San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles investors looking at the big picture, Reno is a smart choice.Source: Freddie Mac Multifamily 

@Kristin Vegas - If you are buying in Chicago proper, be sure to become familiar with the landlord tenant ordinance which is specific to the city. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/landlords/...There is a good stock of multifamily housing just west of the city if you are looking for a more suburban feel with better schools and policing while still being able to get to the Chicago city center within 15-20 minutes. 

Investment Info:

Condo buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $1,360,000

Cash invested: $500,000

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?
Blue Chip Apartment

H...

I really like west and Northwest suburbs because they tend to have better school distruct and tend to appreciate better long term.

(even more expensive due to volume and high overhead)I brew better (and cheaper) coffee at home than either of these two options :) I like Philz Coffee, but right now I think it is only available on the West Coast :) You can brew it at home or drop by.

Also keep in mind on the West coast it is rare to the extreme to have an actual house go to tax Deed sale.. its all land.. back east that completely different.

These are all Class B areas, which often cashflow from day one of acquisition, have acceptable crime, etc.City of Detroit - the "wild, wild, west"!

As are several of mine in the 'good' parts of 77004 (i.e. west of 288). 

I would venture into markets in the mid-west, build a solid foundation, and start doing the BRRRR method.