Quote from @Jules Aton: I started investing in my late 20s during early 90s in up and coming inner city neighborhoods.

@Matthew C. sounds like you bought in a low demand neighborhood.  

Give The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods a read to see which neighborhoods fit your appetite for risk. 

Which will also depend on the neighborhood.You want to, "rehab/maintain to the Neighborhood".Most investors go overboard on their first rehab and waste a decent amount of money.

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

They can you you find good neighborhoods, purchase and rent properties.  

Chicago, with its vibrant neighborhoods and strong rental market, is a prime location for this strategy.

I’ve seen reports that MLS searches for 66214 are up 99% YoY from 2019.

I have been reading the online resources about getting started, searching the market, and even doing tours, but I am hesitant to jump in and buy a house as I have quite a large amount of student debt.

We’ve since learned that scouting friendlier permit offices not only speeds up timelines but can also reveal unique neighborhoods with underappreciated potential.Chris: Are you planning to focus on Gilbert exclusively, or do you see yourself venturing into other Phoenix areas soon?