Adding over 600sf of finished basementNew drywall basically everywhere Many, many coats of paint (former owner was a chain smoker.

Pretty awesome, and this new strategy can cook on the back burner so it's ready when you need it. 3 yrs is doable!

If he's cooking meth in your house, you've got a BIG problem.

Yep the $500 specials can be a pit fall if one does not approach then with a well educated eye, we are also looking at properties that are already rented, but will still get the full inspections plus check City occupancy certification etc.When I first found BP, I quickly realised how valuable this site will be, hopefully I will be able to give back, though I am not a forum junkie as my evenings are walking the dog, cooking dinner for the family, usually quoting work then if there is any time left, property searching.

Sounds like you've figured out the magic sauce to make it in Cook County (Cook County frightens and confuses me!).

I like /r/personalfinance and /r/cooking, as well as /r/washingtonDC for some local flare :).

The only things I didnt have up there was a stove for cooking.

I also graduated with a degree, worked in the field for a very short period of time before realizing there was no future for me on that path.I think back to all the jobs I had from high school to now...Cook at Pizza Hut while in high schoolIn college - Waitress at Pizza Hut, worked at a group home, mentored kids, waitress at a restaurant.  

Odds are you know more HIV infected people than you do Meth cooks.

That way I can learn while driving, exercising or cooking dinner.