This is going to vary widely depending on the strategy and real estate asset class.

Look for a place where you can secure items that you do not want tenants to have access to. 

Our negotiation approach focused on building rapport with the seller, allowing us to secure the property below market value.

What do you do to ensure that the tenant is responsible for security deposit disputes since that is the largest reason for owner lawsuitsHow familiar are you with the newly changed laws that can affect you the owner if they are not used correctly?

Being a 20 year mortgage expert and real estate investment veteran, we used our mortgage company to secure below market financing.

Just swinging for the fences herePortfolio Loan or Blanket Loan: Use the combined equity of both properties to secure a new loan.

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.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Our names go on title and our loans have the real estate as collateral so they are “secured loans.”  

-Decreased security deposit to 1x for MTR.