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.

I am wanting to make sure I will be working with a title company that is familiar with wholesale assignment contracts, seller financing, lease with an option to purchase and possibly sandwich leasees with an option to purchase.

It may be beneficial to link up with an established wholesaler and pay them to mentor you or work for them and learn.

If you are searching for offmarket, you can network with local wholesalers, and also use something like dealmachine to generate leads.

Discovery: I found this property through a local wholesaler specializing in off-market deals.

Purchase price: $225,000 Cash invested: $56,000 Purchased 4-plex from a wholesaler.

I am buying a flip house from a wholesaler.

I’m an investor, realtor and wholesaler!

However, if you're a W2 high income earner or business owner, I can't imagine it makes any sense to flip houses, mail mass post cards, wholesale, or build lead gen websites with the value of your time being better spent other places (such as learning about real estate and increasing your income through proven means), such as at your 9-5pm or growing your business, and your real estate is a long term process and you don't need "home run" deals to qualify or make it work.

(owns a CRM company)Wholesaler in Akron - "What types of homes do you usually look for when you are looking off-market in Akron?"