Understand that they all have an incentive to sell you a property.

Not an attorney but it's my understanding a notice of lien must be filed prior but why not just pay it and get the issue resolved 

Eric the big one for us is when trying to buy subdivision land.. and seller see's one acre being fold for 400k and they have 30 acres and now want 12 mil.. when in fact larger parcels for SFR are trading on the market at say 200k an acre.. they refuse to understand that it cost 50k or more per lot to get those lots buildable.. they just do the simple math and stick that price on them.  

I do not flip so I understand your reluctance to want to flip (it’s a job, taxes, selling costs, etc), but it seems like a much better flip than brrrr.  

A VA loan is a good play, but it needs to be considered a residential property, unless someone understands more than me on the commercial side and knows a way to use a VA loan for a commercial property. 

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

Plus, very important to understand the new layout and how the dig down will effect the existing stairs, plumbing, etc.Happy to connect and talk through your specific situation because @Bruce Woodruff mentioned every project is different and know one price fits all espeically with these complex jobs.Where at in Chicago is your building?

Look into local tax incentives and financing options, and reach out to local real estate groups or mentors to better understand the market.Good luck!

@Keetaek Hong I have a lot of clients who are facing the same challenges but they understand the long game and that it's imperative to build a portfolio, With that lowered interest rate I mentioned you are looking at 30% down and including PM fees will typically have you around break even or barely positively cash flowing.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.