Just wait until someone really trashes it. 

For months, this was what we were following but of course when dealing with me I never make people wait so long and I pay as soon as I am able, as soon as the line item funds drop I usually send a wire or zell payment.

You mentioned that you have an architect you recommend in this area?

When you take all five together they should paint a picture, but I also mentioned your gut is important (not your emotions).

@Kody SmithYou mentioned syndication.  

I work with a lot of MTR investors and what I am seeing frequently with multifamily acquisitions, particularly with new investors, is that they often test the property just like you're mentioning, as a way to dip their toes in the water and see what works in their area and for their personal style.

I feel I have a rough idea, which is..I'm in Rogers Park, my next important step is to wait out 1.5 years until I can fully rent out the condo, but for the meanwhile get a roommate to save more money.

As i mentioned in my introductory post, I am really looking to using next year to jumpstart my portfolio.

As those prices fluctuate, there is a builders somewhere putting his feet up waiting to see a market turn more active because the last thing he wants to do is start paying crews to build houses, that could drop in value while he's halfway through the build process and losing equity halfway into the project.

Usually it's because an owner didn't take our security advice or waited to long to approve and/or send funds.