With $50,000 to $100,000 for down payments, you're in a good spot to start building your portfolio in the Chicago suburbs.Here's how it breaks down:Budgeting for Down Payments: Investment properties typically require a 20-25% down payment.

I once found a wedding cake on the kitchen counter with ants crawling over it. 

About 20 buyers showed up, and one investor made an offer on the spot.

Some points I would be considering:1) The interior painting looks a little low for all the work involved.2) The roof looks like it will need some new sheeting in spots, at least as I can see staining on the ceilings from roof leaks.

The market is showing SOME promising deal but I would appreciate a mentor or friend who wouldn’t mind teaching me how to spot a deal in the numbers.

You don't have to commit to an action on the spot.

Here are a few tips to help you score that first deal:Network: Join local real estate groups and online forums like BiggerPockets to connect with other investors.Find Motivated Sellers: Look for distressed properties and consider sending direct mail to homeowners facing tough situations.Research the Market: Know your area’s property values by analyzing comparable sales using sites like Zillow or Redfin.Craft Compelling Offers: Highlight the benefits of a quick sale to sellers and consider a solid earnest money deposit to show you’re serious.Market Yourself: Use social media to share your journey and post flyers in local spots to attract leads.Stay Persistent: Rejection is part of the process, so learn from it and keep refining your approach.With your big business mindset and hard work, you’ll make it happen!

I am not set on full amenities but I do find that my Denver spot rents constantly and I believe a lot of that is due to the fact that its a one stop shop for people coming for work.

Generally down, likely, but do you have an idea of where the sweet spot to refinance would be?

the homes were selling for 120 to 160k  at that time .. same homes sold for about 20 to 30% higher a decade before.. then as we know Detroit had one of the great crash's and just like your buddy at 3k a home many of these homes went down to the teens etc.. and have just been crawling back I dont believe the values have ever gotten back to their historic peak.. maybe one day.. but not today..