There are a lot of variables to consider so it's impossible to say if investing in one of those other markets would have been "better".However, I think you could make a stronger case that you have been (or would be) more successful with your real estate investing in Chicago compared to other markets.

My company owns about 3,000 MF units, along with some retail, industrial, and Assisted Living. 

There are ways for the smart, savoy, and willing to educate themselves fast, folks who want to build wealth in real estate to do it now and rather quickly as compared to most other industries.

I’m curious about how financing works in this space, especially since land investments have unique challenges and opportunities compared to traditional property flips.

The largest site is about 1/2 way through building a second phase the size of the first phase.All within 10 miles of the power plant.In Commercial or industrial development, you would need both the track record of success and also the financing.  

It was really insightful, especially the part about how DSCR loans offer shorter seasoning periods and more flexible qualification requirements compared to conventional financing.I’m currently focused on scaling into 6+ unit multifamily properties in New Jersey using the BRRR strategy.

Well, large compared to us.  

Additionally, we are digging into BLS data to compare already existing data.

As others have mentioned, the rate will be higher compared to a loan with a 5 year prepayment penalty. 

I have been trying to find a rental in Austin and numbers are way off. Thinking of moving to nearby cities. What is your experience of this market as well as Temple.