I have set my eyes on starting my career in Los Angeles, but I haven't fully committed for fear that the potential of a newbie getting washed out in a market as big and as fast-paced as LA.

My past experience as a GC gives me some idea of the cost but I want some local eyes on it.

The good news is that you're only 45 minutes down the road so you can keep an eye on it throughout this process but you absolutely need to get this project completed ASAP.  

My eyes nearly popped out of my head in excitement, however, not knowing much about the business I remained skeptical.

As a new member, this community has been extremely helpful to me and has opened my eyes more into REI.

I've been reading everything I can and analyzing deals as soon as something catches my eye, but the only areas around the chicagoland region that make sense with our crazy high taxes for buy and hold seems to be Aurora/Joliet.

You'll want to keep your eyes peeled on the escrow statement (unlikely but one can dream) for a breakout of your purchase price between land and building, or the most common source is a property tax statement.

Still the demand is so much that the land releases are sold out at the blink of an eye .

I'd love to get in touch with those of you investing in the Athens area and I'll be sure to keep my eyes on the Athens REIA website to catch the next meeting. 

I've considered cash out refi or HELOC, plus my cash on hand, but to my un-trained eye, it doesnt look like that will get it done.