We are looking to be no more than 30 mins from the Airport, since my wife travels a great deal.

Don't buy a home with a major negative (airport flight path, train tracks behind, major street, 50 steps to front door, next to or near by a landfill, etc)Create the best floor plan, remodel kitchens and baths, don't skimp on landscaping front and back, shop for best deals on materials.

Conversations are coming up again about an International regional airport that will serve SA and Austin.

Any value added play with basement/garage space to add space to adjacent unit?  

I'm located right outside the city by the airport in lansdowne, the taxes in this area are brutally high also..

Blue Island is adjacent to Chicago's southside.  

If you want to look at the area near the fairgrounds/football stadium/airport there are options as well, but the area is a little more unstable so its important to do your research on those.Hit me up any time.Jay

However, where I invest it tends to me "more rural" than "city adjacent" and probably for obvious reasons. 

If it is a decent area it might even be worth acquiring adjacent properties to have a larger corner to develop.

)I personally drive around neighborhoods and watch for any new home construction areas, houses being renovated or increased neighborhood revitalization activity, access to major highways, transportation and airports.