If your goal is financial security for your family, how do those things further or impede those goals? 

What strategies do you recommend for securing hard money loans for spec builds?

Hire only “A Players”.  

As I’m saving up for my first investment, I would like to learn more about the industry - and it would be nice to earn some income while doing so.Are there any specific skills or knowledge I need to secure a VA side gig? 

Hi @Frank Pyle,**I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned**To secure long-term financing for your Airbnb, look for DSCR lenders that accept pro forma income instead of requiring 12 months of rental history.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

If you could see that the population growth was increasing, then you could invest with some security. 

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

To minimize time the property is vacant, have the Realtor coordinate with the existing Tenant for the last 30 days of their occupancy for showings so you have the best possible chance of securing a new Tenant without a break in between.I would love to know some of the details of your property, and do a rental rate check up to confirm you have the right price.