My last business was officed in the Grain Belt, 1910 warehouse which are artist studios purchased by Artspace from MCDA while I was there. 

However, I did not buy into the program.I like Linux, electronics, spicy food, and building anything.  

Actually, you need to take everything about RE on the internet with a grain of salt and get competent legal advice. 

However, remember that the “official” inflation numbers do not include energy or food.

@Niles TreberAgain, take my advice with a grain of salt on these next answers as im new and im sure some of the senior members would have much better ideas but here are my thoughts on what you asked. 

World class city, architecture, food , entertainment, nightlife and the Cubs!

I would also take it with a grain of salt just like @Elizabeth C. said, you are not going to make everyone happy.

Those in that REI group know him, talk to them on the side, be aware they may have an agenda to get you to work with them as well, so take things with a grain of salt.Now, hard core vetting: If he is or has been a Realtor, contact the RE Commission and ask to verify licensing, then ask if he had ever been sanctioned or had any action taken to his license status.

I'm pretty new, so take my two cents with some grains of salt:If partner deals aren't coming together, try another owner occupy for yourself.

Call title companies and ask what fees are customary and who pays them, that will be different from one area to another, need to know local customs.Some (many) Realtors won't deal with cheap houses, if they do they may charge 10% on the sale price instead of the customary 6%, getting 6% and splitting that between two Realtors, buying and listing, on a 30K sale won't make a car payments and buy food after taxes