Attend local builder associations or networking events, and focus on small contractors or businesses without in-house permit expertise.Highlight how you save time and ensure compliance—it’s a big value-add.

Here are some practical steps and strategies to consider:## Single Family and Small Multifamily HomesWhen looking at single-family and small multifamily homes in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, make sure to analyze the local market trends, rental yields, and property appreciation rates.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Purchasing a property for your child while they attend college can be a strategic investment and a great way to provide them with stable housing.

Look up local investors on social media and follow them and comment and like their posts so they get used to seeing your name.

How’s everyone doing ?I’m very new to this but I’m proud to say I am now an investor, I just haven’t invested in anything yet. I plan on taking a few years saving my money and learning as much as I can about real esta...

You might find it useful to attend a meetup or two just to learn how other folks got their start into the industry :) I host a small/intimate meetup once a month in LIC, check it out here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1214850-meet...

Also, they are local to me.

As for finding a contractor, asking local investors for recommendations is a great start.

I still attend local meet ups and talk to dozens of investors and am considering other strategies like Mid-Term Rentals or rent by the room.