We allow pets and the large yard is fully fenced, plus a small park 1 block away.

Also, in regards to a per diem, I'd like to be a bit more optimistic that I can establish the right checks and balances to ensure that the contractor is not skipping corners.

If you work the valuations out right you can purchase a duplex with your 1031 exchange that will allow you to move into one half immediately again. 

This will happen in a market with balanced supply and demand, in a monetary system like the US, with fiat currency targeting 2% inflation.- In some markets, that are growing quickly, with great jobs and lots of inbound migration, this could be a little higher - like 4-5% per year over long time periods as demand outpaces supply.

Higher loan balances we would likely see an opportunity in the future to refinance again due to lower rates so consider a 2-3 year prepayment penalty.Of course if you qualify for Conventional Financing (Fannie/Freddie), there are no prepayment penalties so just calculating out the return of investment timeline on point buy downs.Good luck shopping and let me know if you want to talk further!

When you allow users to delete their own posts, you disrupt the flow of conversations.This is an OPEN forum, not just a closed network like Facebook.

For instance, cities like Chicago are known for landlord-tenant laws that skew heavily in favor of tenants, and that risk should be baked into your underwriting.What’s your take on balancing short-term cash flow with long-term equity growth?

The problem is that there isn't a lot out there, and when looked into each comp extensively, I saw the numbers were deflated because they were 'as-is' properties with extensive damage, or properties with a well, and other mis-matched differences.

I have his cell as well. 

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.