Install cameras and exterior lighting on timers, place no trespassing signs, and place items that indicate occupancy - like a BIG dog bowl near the front door, shoes, etc. 

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

To deter the break-ins you need to have window coverings on all the windows, a light on and not advertise that the unit is vacant.

., brands, grades).Referenced drawings or blueprints.Agreed working hours (e.g., 8 AM–5 PM, Mon–Fri due to HOA rules).The clearer your scope, the fewer misunderstandings you’ll face.Signatures:Always have the subcontractor sign first, then you sign.

It's very on-brand for the city to have an error on their end when starting the process, though.

This could be a reputation and brand killer.  

Sometimes you can bring to life an old cabinet simply by painting it, putting new hardware on, and maybe updating a light fixture in the room that shines brighter, and not yellow. 

Japanese people culturally like brand new and shiny products and you will have a small market of investors who won't touch unless you offer attractive yields.

Looking into getting my hands dirty and doing light rehabs or updates.  

You don't need to save up $100K or quit your job today in order to become a successful investor. I started 23 years ago and bought my first property with 3.5% down using an FHA loan. I had to borrow the down payment f...