Most professional agents set a minimum dollar theyll do at these price points that will be substantial. 

.✅ Professional Tenant Screening – Property managers have systems in place to screen applicants thoroughly, reducing the risk of bad tenants.✅ Knowledge of Chicago Rental Laws – A good property manager stays up to date on local laws, helping you avoid costly legal mistakes.✅ Maintenance & Repairs Handled – No more emergency calls at 2 AM about a broken water heater!

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Now, when you talk to the tenant today, be straightforward but professional.

I pay professionals for help and can do basic tasks on my own without free labor. 

You should consult a tax professional for an answer based on your unique situation, this is not tax advise just general information.

Posts like this are part of my journey to learn, network & connect with experienced professionals like yourself who have valuable insights to share.I also want to apologize for the late response—it’s been a busy few days, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to thank you for your input.Looking forward to learning & growing in this space & who knows, maybe one day I’ll be offering you in on an investment idea or I'll be the one offering advice to new investors!

Class A apartments have numerous amenities, professional management, and sit in desirable neighborhoods.

I actually think it is a benefit to both parties to have professional representation to assist the seller and buyer with these types of transactions.

As far as your primary residence, if you have lived in it 2 out of the last 5 years, you should not have to pay taxes on capital gains (difference between what you paid for it & what you sold it for) up to $250,000 if you file your taxes as an individual and $500,000 if you file jointly with a spouse.Just a disclaimer, I am not a tax professional.