For any locals that come across this or virtual investors , what's a wholesale friendly title company you've worked with in St.

Hey Stefano Vrolijk,Speak with a local mortgage broker and get pre-approved for a loan. 

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.

@Kyle TrotmanI would suggest speaking to local banks, and credit unions.

A buddy of mine who invests out in Phoenix once had a client facing a similar timing mismatch on a rehab project.. they ended up working closely with a local credit union who was more open to interim valuations.

I am on the board of CFRI, the local chapter for National REIA.

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.

There are many local real estate investor groups or associations.

We have a local competitor that brags they don't charge a maintenance markup, yet we know:1) They charge owners $60/hour for their handyman2) How much do you think they're paying their handyman? 

I was able to join the local Facebook pages for investors that are local to my area.