Here are some practical steps and strategies to consider:## Single Family and Small Multifamily HomesWhen looking at single-family and small multifamily homes in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, make sure to analyze the local market trends, rental yields, and property appreciation rates.

The investment city determines rent growth rate, appreciation, and income longevity.What determines rent growth?

Average rental rates, vacancies, competition, growth, appreciation, etc..Ive heard of scrolling through Zillow and collecting information by looking at properties for sale/rent but was wondering if there is a site where all of this information is easily accessible or any ideas for better ways to go about it.Thanks in advance!

Understand how to "add value" to the property and evaluate cap rates, IRR, cash on cash returns. 

Seller finance the property- ask for an up front, non-refundable down payment of $XXX (which could be used as his primary residence down payment), payments of $X over X years at X interest rate with a balloon payment in X years2.

There are a few seller financed deals on the MLS. 10% down with 10% interest rate over 30 years.I do have a question.

Consider that interest rates are now double what they were in 2020 with investment properties (especially a four-plex 6.5 at least) and the new cost of the buildings.

With rates in constant flux, you might have opportunities to lock in lower ones.

Here's the breakdown:Financing: We used a seller carry deal with 25% down ($100k), a 30-year term (balloon in 10 years), and a 4.68% interest rate.

There are plenty out there with fair rates and lower fees.