House hacking in Chicago can be a game-changer—letting you live for free (or close to it) while building wealth through real estate.

This was my first property, and while it's been a great learning experience, I made several mistakes along the way—ranging from choosing a realtor who was more focused on closing the deal than finding the right house, to having a poor inspection and overlooking issues hidden beneath the surface (literally).

Just not seeing any rents close to the property for 3/4 bedroom properties that would cash flow for a mortgage that size.

For a hard money loan, you have to close in an entity, it also helps with your credit being the mortgage is not under your name, with a 700+ credit we can usually get you 80% LTV on a purchase.

Quote from @Lorraine Hadden: As we close out 2024 and look forward to 2025, NAR released its 2025 list of top performers in 10 metro markets.

Fortunately, I just call the bank and tell the address of the property I am under contract on, and when I want to close. 

As always, read ALL the terms before you sit to close.

Very happy to be in good weather and close to a beach!

So if you go that route the $125k down payment will be directed to your mortgage company at closing - not you. 

We weren't willing to take that risk.My wife operated our first home and after a few months we found a really solid knowledgeable manager who took over operations while still working closely with my wife.