Look into Illinois first-time buyer programs for potential grants, and think about leveraging business credit once you’re established.Good luck!

I know pools are a must have amenity to compete in many markets and I have to admit that I'm a bit hesitant to enter those markets due to the potential liability risk.

I actually had come across your post below in the Events forum and thought to myself it would have been nice to attend that to see first hand a local flip and talk shop about the process.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1215682-chec...I am happy to hear that someone with your experience in the region feels that Westchester is a market with some potential.

The more that you talk the more potential buyers see what they are dealing with.Lori you purchased a property that was occupied.

@Tim Delaney is an investor in the Buffalo market and shares many of your views on its long term potential!

But by coming together with others, one can get in the game and put their money to work in these bigger, potentially greater return deals without having to do it solo.

Depending on what the potential jobs offer in terms of income, does this seem like a realistic strategy?

Also@Jed Butikofer as@Christian Chartier said, this area has great potential for investment.

Angel investors might be interested, but you'll likely have to give up a portion of the ownership or future profits, and there could be potential complications in managing the investor's expectations and involvement.

You have to weigh the benefit of the insurance claim payment versus potentially having your carrier cancel you and perhaps get black-balled by the insurance industry.