State politics scare me a little but the one time I visited, I really saw it as a jewel in the making.

However, we export only 1% of our exports to Canada, so any reciprocal tariffs placed by Canada will assuredly have an impact but a proportionately muted one.

You might also meet title agents who have resources on, say, foreclosures or probates…and might recommend lenders who actually lend on more difficult projects (as the title companies also know which lenders can close and which are difficult).I also go visit open houses to see what sorts of finish to put on my renovations or to look for the next house or area in which to purchase.  

Agree on the advice their are sharks out there that are very good praying on people with various scams each month a new one pops up so avoid the housing market right now .In the mean time invest in a index fund that follows a benchmark like a S&P 500 each month/week put more money in when you are at a age that father wisdom has visited make small moves into the housing market .

(Unfortunately, the investor fell for this gimmick and did NOT get their own 3rd party inspections, appraisals or even visit the properties they were buying, against our best efforts to encourage proper due diligence and follow our check list for their own protection.)So now some people are stuck with properties worth half what they paid (not all RWN members), with no renovation done, and constant repairs and vacancies. 

I don't know who you are or what your agenda is, but I assure you, you've got the wrong guy.  

My last visit was in 2021 and owners were limited to one guest per month.

Apparently, when my sister parked in the driveway when visiting my mom, she revved her engine too loud and honked at her to intimidate her (according to my sister, she did no such thing and I believe her—we are adults).

I especially appreciate your and others’ assurance around this being the worst time of the year to find a tenant and not to sweat the slow movement too much.

Chicago has such a great investing community compared to most places in the US I have visited!