I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

Im a medium sized operator - 46 units- and my typical deal has an ARV from 200 to 230 when its finished.

We will be moving to the area late spring.

For me to build I would want to see recent comps of sales for the finished project you are planning. 

While I could have gone lower I am lowering my risk tolerance because I expect a recession in late 2019 to 2020.

We also have a finish carpentry business.

Quote from @Scott Scoville: Quote from @Jim Haertjens: Quote from @Scott Scoville: Just finished one of our bigger projects.

hi @Jaycee,  the top floor(the one you see on the listing 8915 E Wes Pl Tucson), is essentially a ground floor as far as entering and exiting the home as the bottom floor(finished basement etc) is underneath it built into the other side of the foothill the house is sitting on.  

Do they value nicer finishes and design or is that additional cost lost on the typical tenant in that pocket?

It sounds intriguing and like it could be a another good source from homes since the MLS has been pretty dry lately/hard to make houses pencil out for flips.Is buying from auctions a good idea?