Areas like Pilsen, Bronzeville, and parts of the South and West Sides offer opportunities for value-add investments, while North Side neighborhoods provide more stability but at higher prices. 

Excellent explanation!

Check out investor lift, there are sometimes good deals on there, but make sure you vet the area and try to get a due diligence period on your offer, a lot of the times you can trust their ARV or their take on the condition of the home.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

Here are some financing options to consider:HELOC or Cash-Out Refi on Another Property – If you or your mom have equity elsewhere, this could be a more flexible and lower-interest option.Business Line of Credit – Since the property is in an LLC, you might qualify for a business LOC, which could cover construction costs.Private Money Lender – If you’re okay with 12-15% rates, a private lender could fund this as a short-term loan, especially if the guesthouse will generate strong income.Construction Loan – Some lenders offer short-term construction financing, which converts to a longer-term mortgage once completed.Seller/Partner Financing – Bringing in an investor or structuring a joint venture with someone willing to fund the build in exchange for a share of the income.Credit Card Stacking or Unsecured Business Loans – Riskier but could work if you need to bridge a gap until the unit starts cash flowing.Would love to hear more details—especially your timeline and expected rental income.

These areas could all be excellent long-term plays.

They do offer access to mutual funds, but I do not love this option.

Be sure to explore all around the forums as well as many of the FREE tools that Bigger Pockets provides.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to hop on a call to discuss loan options that are out there, even if not offered by my resources. 

Those are some of the unique things we offer in addition to helping each investor build a strategic investment plan & roadmap to achieve your specific goals.

Unlike banks, which offer limited loan options, brokers have access to a wide network of lenders, including niche and non-traditional financing sources.Here’s what they do:Assess your financial situation to determine your borrowing power.Compare multiple loan products to find the most favorable terms.Negotiate rates and terms with lenders on your behalf.Guide you through the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements.Example: Suppose you have a lower credit score or unconventional income sources.