With your background as an electrician, contractor, and project manager, you have a unique advantage in real estate.

I actually have two south side chicago properties right in that pocket of Greater Grand Crossing.The key here, more than anywhere else, is proper tenant screening and property management. 

With the way my portfolio and pipeline is arranged I can understand why the construction management or brokerage verticals are most enticing but it still feels too transactional which is what I want to avoid.

What is killing me is after factoring in property taxes of about $9000 for the year and 10% of the rents $6.720 for property management as well as insurance factored at another $2400.

The state will get its pound of flesh and my liabilities were better managed by executing perfect permitted work and excellent insurance.I'd sincerely recommend having a savvy CPA, Lawyer & Insurance broker.

, maintenance (5%), and PM (10-12%) if you choose to not self manage. 

Either myself or project manager wen I don't have time, because most contractors need daily supervision.

I manage and own some STRs. 

I would run this by your realtor/property manager to get clarification.

The key is to standardize property quality and management systems, which would appeal to buyers seeking scale.If you’re thinking long-term, holding these properties for cash flow while leveraging local appreciation is also a strong play.