I predict Albany Park turns into the next Lincoln Square and gets even pricier.

I have had wonderful renters each year, relocations to my area who need temporary housing, but this year have not had even a single inquiry (priced the same as previous years).

Outside of real estate, I enjoy Working out, training my German shepherd, and traveling with my family.

Or even a contractor that does large additions and then move towards ground-up stuff.

It’s just not that common even though that is one of the main things talked about. 

now it's rented out, and you're breaking even each month in rent. 

Multi-family for me has been the way to go and has left me assurance that even during vacancy, I will be covering most of my mortgage. 

Even though interest rates are high, we have a big Mircron plant coming here as part of the CHIPS act so that could boost housing demand in the coming years.I don't know the SYR market, but I did a quick search for duplexes somewhat outside of the city, and found this: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/7300-Lakes....

And while a 1031 exchange isn’t an option, some people explore alternatives like installment sales to spread out taxes or even tweaking the investment structure so your returns are treated as interest instead of equity.There are definitely some creative strategies out there. 

My biggest client today is a seller I didn’t even represent during his sale of a 24-unit building—he had another agent.