It is really good to see that the ecosystem for capital raise products has matured a bit in that time period, but it still has a long way to go. 

This, among other factors make the Gulf Coast region a fairly vibrant economy. - The Mississippi Gulf Coast is also one of the only areas of the state that has tourism as a significant piece of it's economy.- The Mississippi Gulf Coast has an international airport- The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a beach- Houses are some of the cheapest in the country. 

It's been an exciting journey, and I'm eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge from this vibrant community.Lately, my focus has shifted towards understanding and mastering the art of calculating cap rates—a critical skill, especially as I set my sights on venturing into multifamily properties.

Anderson does have a pretty vibrant sales force, so they can make you feel like you are not being wise by not buying a LOT or All of their services (which typicalls is $10-$15K). 

Is it the beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities, or something else?

Seems like the whole ecosystem around STRs is still evolving, so not sure many exist yet.

While I can see there is definitely more crime in general than some of the previous areas I listed up in North Chicago, I'm also reading a ton about how the area is vibrant, lots of young professionals, good access on the L via the Green line up to downtown, etc.

Me and my husband had always been interested in real investment for quite some time and now living in such a vibrant area, we thought this place has such a great investment return potential and also with some cash on hand we had from selling our house in Oklahoma we really wanted to put that cash to work. 

It's also important to realize, as a previous poster mentioned, you're dealing with a large sprawling metropolis with small ecosystems within it.

I believe these traits, combined with the knowledge and connections I hope to gain through BiggerPockets, will pave the way for successful investments.I look forward to engaging with this vibrant community, learning from your experiences, and sharing my journey.