The city also benefits from a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, attracting both renters and investors.

I have just under five rental properties and I understand the legal benefits of creating an LLC (married to a lawyer).

Real estate has so many tax benefits and credits available, that I always tell people it's crucial to have a CPA that's extremely knowledgeable in this area.

Yes, this is an unsexy option and it doesn't offer the same tax benefits, but you would benefit from reduced volatility (so long as you don't obsess over fluctuating stock prices), greater liquidity, stronger management teams and superior assets.

Each have their benefits and drawbacks.

or zip codes?

I am understanding I can convert Operating Partner Units in an UPREIT to REIT shares (taxable) but the benefit is I can sell any percentage of the operating partner units, paying taxes on only that percent I sold.A friend that is a bank auditor, specializing in commercial real estate said:operating costs should total about 30%, leaving NOI 70%For us business people NOI in real estate is EBIDA (T left out as Taxes are an above the line expense)Any know, does the DST have to produce audited financial statementsSo now I feel I am better equipped to work with the RIRep and tackle the recommended PPMIf you really follow the track record of when these multi family unit being purchase and sell, average holding time is 3-4 years so you pay the premium in there and that's why how DST sponsor makes money.

It can provide a very misleading valuation.Your appreciation numbers reflect just below 4% a year (I used 8 year hold) on both properties which is below national average for this period and below what neighborhoodscout depicts for Chicago 10 year average. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/il/chicago/real-estateLooking at this from the outside, I am missing a lot of details such as your interest rate, is there a prop tax benefit for long holds (by the way look up prop 13 for CA at some point as it may play a role in your decision to purchase once you relocate to San Diego), the neighborhood, appreciation potential going forward, any emotional attachment, etc.  

It’s a straightforward process that offers benefits to both buyers and sellers.

A lot of folks that build and rehab wont pay for it.. they take the position they did everything right and it benefits buyer if you want it you pay for it.its not a huge cost .