Not sure if higher purchase prices/rates have created this boom or if it's that all the new supply of rentals in Chicago is aimed at top end luxury *$3000 1br type builds etc. but rents have shot up on the north side.

If your focus in on that "great property", you're not an investor, you're a property collector. 

I've been an investor and broker for the last 10 years in FL and NC, and specialize in the mountain regions, and beach regions because that's where most of the tourists, and investors who want getaways, invest (certainly there are many other interesting markets to invest however, booming wine country for example..)To add to it, I love the environmentally responsible home building, that's something I've had an interest in for a while, and I've worked with several contractors and architects in the last few years to come up with a useful plan for alternative and environmentally responsible building materials. 

Also visit the City/Town Hall website for tax collector and assessor.

Boom - you just got your start. 

Boom!

Boom a wealth of knowledge.What I have learned?

There was a huge boom right after the pandemic, but now I see the markets slowly cooling down.Looking forward to hearing from this amazing community!

Others boom and bust.

Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Broward, Jacksonville and their surrounding areas are all booming right now and can be great long term hold plays that still will cash flow if you find the right deals.