Flippers are only playing on the median purchase curve since they are both buyers and sellers with a value ad in between so their margins are tight, too.I will add this, there are a lot of good things going on in our fair city, job growth, thankfully some job diversification, low unemployment, local investment (MAPS) to improve the livability of the city.

Funds can be a great way of gaining instant diversification.

I created a list of metrics that I use on state level, region level and property level.For the state level I use metrics such as Crime rate, economic growth, population growth , employment diversification and on and on (If you want I can share the full list).The states I've mentioned are starring at the top of the metrics I've mentioned (I realize it might have an impact on the house prices, but it is good enough to start with).WDYT ? 

Fund Diversification: Similar to the way a mutual fund behaves, a real estate fund diversifies the investment across a group of properties instead of a single property.

However, she is on board on a little REI diversification. 

However, I think with a population of 100k + the opportunity for employment diversification would be better (if that term fits).

Overall looks like a comparable investment to a traditional index fund over time, is the main attraction here the diversification angle?

Is this investment type part of your diversification strategy?

Chicago tends to offer affordability, geographical diversification, and potentially better cash flow opportunities due to its lower cost of living and real estate prices and rent control is illegal in Illinois. 

Job diversification is starting to come.