If you have an older home that requires a lot of maintenance, you probably want to avoid the manager who charges a markup.I recommend shopping around occasionally to see if your PM is procuring fair pricing or just marking you up to make money without justification.As for expectations, you need to read the PM agreement and understand what is charged and why.

I pay attention to local amenities like shops, parks, and restaurants, because they make the area more appealing to tenants.

They mentioned how Dom helped them narrow down neighborhoods for a multi-family purchase and even flagged potential zoning issues before they made an offer.

Zoning says that it is a repair service shop, excluding automobiles, any idea if leasing out storage space would be permitted?

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

For the duplex, would you consider it to be in a high quality (A), medium (B), or low (C) neighborhood?

Congrats on your lot purchase in an awesome Chicago neighborhood like Humboldt Park.

Connecting with other local investors can help you learn the ropes faster and avoid common pitfalls.If you have any specific questions—whether it’s about neighborhoods, property types, or what to expect—I’d be happy to help.

Most neighborhoods you will be fine in.

but the ones in OK neighborhoods need MAJOR, major rehabs to be safe and high quality - think another 50-100K on top of the purchase.