After 6 months my goal is to start looking and purchase my first LTR or MTR property (3-4 multiunit or duplex) I am located in South Elgin, IL about an hour west of Chicago.

Having licenses makes the regular syndication world look like the Wild West.

I’m not sure where you’re located but I’m located out west of the city in the Elgin area.

Jersey City, Weehawken, Union City, West New York all offer great commutes into Manhattan with a wide variety of properties that are priced below anything you’ll find in Brooklyn.

in addition on the west coast we just don't really have zombie or boarded up houses.. at least not like other areas of the country we have a shortage of actual housing units.

@Taylor West You are probably correct on the days. 

The 19134 zip code and other parts of North and West Philly offer properties at very affordable prices, but may have more challenges with tenant quality and vacancy rates.

Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate your first deal, incorporating advanced strategies, including 1031 exchanges, to attract a broader range of investors.Neighborhood Recommendations: Chicago offers a diverse range of neighborhoods for different investment goals:Wicker Park & West Town: These areas are known for their strong rental demand among young professionals and offer good potential for cash flow.Lake View: Ideal for attracting tenants who want to be close to downtown while enjoying local amenities.The Loop: A prime location for high-income renters, making it an attractive option if you’re planning to house hack and generate a steady stream of rental income.Property Types: Opt for properties that align with your investment goals.

My brokerage has been tracking the data from the West Penn MLS for the past 2 years, and I would like to share some of the highlights so that we all have some hard facts to lean on when answering this question.

@Kerron HendricksonWhen looking in the cleveland market I would recommend being in areas on the West Side of Cleveland like West Blvd, Cudell, Old Brooklyn, Clark Fulton, Edgewater, Jefferson, and Brooklyn Centre.