As a broker, you’ve already got a strong foundation, which will give you an edge in finding and structuring great deals.Since you're in Chicago, have you considered house hacking as a starting point?

I would strongly recommend you have an exit strategy or multiple exit strategies in your partnership agreements.

Given your strong credit score, a credit union or peer-to-peer lending platform may offer better short-term financing rates.

Between now and then, I am committed to learn and connect as much as possible!

Every real estate investment is unique, and you're strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney to ensure your specific legal needs are properly addressed.

That’s a huge time commitment, but saving $30K is no small feat!

She has expressed strong interest in managing the property and is very organized, which complements my more scattered approach to things.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...For about 2 years straight I went to about every real estate meetup in Chicago and built a VERY STRONG NETWORK that way! 

For the GC selection, focus on experience with similar-sized projects and strong project management skills.

Over the years, with personal investment alongside investments from family and friends, I’ve been able to build a small portfolio of apartment buildings with a focus on cash flow through strong operations.