If you are in a state where eviction cost is high and it is tenant friendly you may need a higher credit score to offset default risk and eviction cost.If you are in a landlord friendly state where it is easier to get non paying tenants out you may be able to handle more none payment risk.  

It was high rent, low entry point area but within 6 months I dealt with an eviction and electrical issues.

Quote from @Tom Hall: My mortgage rate is very high  and I would like to pay some of it off, so that my monthly payments would go down a bit, I dont know if it is financial smart to do it or not?

TLDR: I don't see a reason for small landlords to use concessions - either the price is too high or you need a remodel if your unit isn't renting.

. - Prices are too high- Prices are falling- Interest rates are too high- My Cousins, Mothers, Sister told me that Real Estate is too riskyThere’s never a “perfect” time, but everyone wishes that they started sooner.

Saw some new building going on around Lawerenceville with high asking prices..close to L.A prices it seems.https://www.redfin.com/PA/Pittsburgh/4618-Carlton-...

Based on your numbers, and assuming you have a credit score high enough and have never filed for BK, you shouldn't have an issue getting approved for an HML to buy/rehab the property that I would estimate at about $370k-$375k (which includes 100% of the rehab costs).

Low probability but high risk.

If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to challenge it.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.