Modern lumber is also a lot more prone to termite damage as it is softer and easier to consume whereas old lumber is extremely resinous and naturally termite resistant.

In the last few years I took out a HELOC on my primary residence, used the funds for the down payment on two investment properties, then refinanced the HELOC into a 30 year loan (7/1 ARM) as a second mortgage against my primary res. In

Just a friendly recommendation: I would remove the wicker chairs in the living room.

Pool made with insulated concrete forms. 14 person hot tub.Epoxy resin covered vanities, counter tops, accent wall, closet doors, floors, to mimic marble and granite.

fix-it-all (joint compound with some additives) is not suitable for exterior at allYes it will wick in water as the paint deteriorates, and cause more rot, and keeping a good coat of paint on it won't be enough long-term in many/most climates.bondo (polyester auto body resin) is a cheap-ish "alternative", although harder to get detail work just right and not really all that suitable anyway (maybe ok with a good epoxy / primer, perhaps?).

Meaning West Loop, Logan, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, North Shore, Gold Coast, Old Town, Wicker Park, Logan Square, River North.. list goes on!

@Edythe L Wicker  Do you mind giving me your broker's contact?  

Wicker park and Logan Square have reached a critical mass, and Avondale is on the way there, so Hermosa and Belmont Craigin are getting popular.

I invested in Wicker Park in Chicago in the '80's when it had a high crime rate. 

Tim Wicker is a good one.