I am going to talk to CHA (Chicago Housing Authority) about raising the rent.

There is no waiting list for senior citizen homes/cha in Chicago.

Work with CHA to help get them out as well.

First I would go buy a GMC Z71 4x4 PU truck SLT crew cab 20" wheels and all the extra goodies 50k cha ching so now we are down to 130k so next I buy my wife those new triple pane windows for the crib she has been wanting 22k cha ching now down to 108k so next I buy a master bath remodel 18k cha ching so now down to 90k so next I buy those new plantation blinds (must have for new windows) 3k cha ching so now down to 87k  so next my wife has to have a new car 37k cha ching so now down to 50k so next I use 20k cha ching to pay off credit cards and misc debt so now down to 30k so next the kitchen has to be remodeled 35k cha ching OOPS now I am 5k in the hole YIKES.

I have read so many articles on getting and keeping good tenants...that I feel your thoughts on the matter would be very well received.If you want to start it but aren't sure what to write/how to start...then just pretend it's me that you are writing too and for...helping me figure out how and why to rent to grad students...it may not be the first blog on the subject...but with your wit and unique perspective on the subject, it'll probably stay busy, from time to time anyway.You could call it the "Oh my god, Joel won't stop bugging me about starting a blog about renting to grad students" blog....just rolls off the tongue like honey...don't cha think?

Cha Yang that's solid advice.

I'm trying to help, but the CHA is not being cooperative.

How did you get painting/roof/windows/appliances/CHA, forget about the other stuff, for 18 grand?

  ;)  There are a lot of 3 carat cubic zirconias out there...lots of bling but no cha-ching.

Example the deductible on a roof, a water heater, a c/ha unit, or vacancy issues.