@Ryan Daniel  I will preface this with the fact that I have a legal background, specifically with estate planning and asset protection in relation to real estate investments.

But it seems to me that referral clubs only real value is vetting suppliers.

Sometimes folks overlook how real prce apprecation can be impacted by having acreage that’s not typical in suburban areas.In Phoenix, where I’m based, a lot of us collaborate with local probate attorneys who know about hidden opportunities that never see the open market.

Real numbers- purchase 907k,rehab , closing costs, soft costs, 840k, all in 1.747 mil, basis for each unit should be roughly 291kappraisal of each unit minimum 400k , so 2.4 mil if for all 6.I might refi only 4 out of 6, that will cover initial loan amount.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

Your reinvestment targets for a 1031 exchange would have you purchasing $700K of replacement real estate using all $500K of equity. 

Quote from @Sam Robbins: Hi,I’m Sam, a new real estate investor in Nashville - I got my first property this pas year, just south of the airport.

Real Estate is a long term play. 6.

If they fail to comply, you may need to involve legal counsel or contact your state’s real estate commission.Hire a Reliable Manager: Finding a professional, responsive property manager is key.

It seems like I need to check further away from the DMV area.My feelings are if you want “cash flow” you should buy a bond (I really like the tips rate right now) there is next to no reason to buy real estate for cash flow, if you are going to buy you should buy with appreciation in mind, which is not to say that’s the route I’d go, I’ve been liquidating properties to put in stocks and money market funds over the last few years and u just did the math and I’ve come out well ahead, but just to say there are arguments for stocks/bonds, there are arguments for levered appreciation, but the cap rates pretty much anywhere aren’t worth it vs an inflation protected bond, especially since a 3/rd of inflation is real estate anywhere, you could get “cash flow” and inflation protection much easier through a tips.