I'm focusing on Chicago area commercial estate because I'm familiar with the city.

My assumption is the city assessment stating it was '2.5 stories' simply took the building footprint and multiplied by 2.5.

When looking for your next investment property in VR, if you want to diversify in a new city, the status of the regulations by the city is obviously an important decision factor.

Memphis, Columbus, OH, Cincinnati, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC, Columbia, SC

These people will probably be renting apartment for a couple of years while they get their lives back on track, so maybe its a good time to buy multi-family homes in neighboring cities. 

Jersey City has become very trendy & hip (hipsters running amok) and perhaps steered many into their coffers.  

A good way to find providers is just googling "Flat Fee MLS + your city" and then checking their reviews (yelp, zillow, etc).

Huntsville is a priority but Birmingham is nice and I always liked the city when I would go visit. 

Currently, I invest in SFs and location is very important for any prospective properties - 1) because it may attract a certain tenant (ie. great school district, or close to a college campus) and may also help me avoid certain tenants that might be troublesome and 2) future resale/appreciation.I am interested in pursuing MFs, and I find some really great cash flowing properties in my city (and out of state), but they are located on the edge of what might be considered less desirable part(s) of town.  

@David BarajasRiver City Bank but they are primarily commercial.