I feel I have a rough idea, which is..I'm in Rogers Park, my next important step is to wait out 1.5 years until I can fully rent out the condo, but for the meanwhile get a roommate to save more money.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a potential deal, but skipping this step can lead to costly mistakes.Getting your real estate license is also a solid strategy just realize once you have a license wholesaling may not be in the cards as its a very gray area.Lastly, since you're planning to buy properties for yourself in 2026, start laying the groundwork now.

Response for Abigail Katherine Grier: Hey Abigail, Congrats on your first property—that’s such an exciting step!

I am new to the group, real estate investing in general, and trying to learn so that I can take my first step into real estate.

Even a small first step will teach you so much, and with your analytical mindset, I have no doubt you’ll make smart decisions along the way.

As someone that over analyzes things as well, I’d suggest you step back and think about what your goals are in order to help determine what path to take.I like JD’s suggestion about reinvesting in your business.

When I asked what happened with the applicant, they took weeks to inform me that squatters had moved into the property. 3) When I asked for a copy of the court paperwork they had filed (to ensure they were actually doing something about it and to discuss with my own lawyer), they reassured me vaguely they were taking steps while they moved slowly without telling me what exactly they were doing.

One was the steps were a few inches off of code in height, and the railing broke when the guy fell. 

The most important step to avoid a catastrophe is to create a detailed contract with your contractor.

A close-up of the stovetop or the back steps won't sell the house.