A few factors jump out at me: what kind of stores/discount places you have locally?

You definitely don't cut insurance though because you need to retain insurance for your contents and your liability much as a store would even though they are just renting the space from a property owner.Keep up the creative thinking you may hit on a niche.

Iagree with @James Wise @Chaz ReidDrive by and check out the neighborhood as well, maybe playgrounds, schools, stores etc will make it more desirable when you look to market it to potential renters.

Its more than just paying large contractor bills... smaller transactions like trips to the hardware store for light bulbs for instance.

I'm running a candy store and you're running a super market.

Lots of grocery stores, and the best burgers in Chicago is in a restaurant/bar in Edgewater called Moody's Pub.Bear in mind, Chicago is super expensive to live in.

No pictures other than the Satellite / Street View images.4 bed, 2 full, 1 partial bath, 3,858 sqft Single-Family Home Single Family Residential1 Partial BathroomBuilt In 1983Heating: Forced air unitExterior Walls: Brick veneer3 BuildingsFireplaceTax Rate Code Area: 195 4 Bedrooms3,858 sqftStories: 2 story with atticParking: Detached GarageRoof: Shingle (Not Wood)Foundation: SlabPool: Pool (yes) 2 BathroomsLot Size: 3.51 acresA/CParking Spaces: 39 RoomsStyle: Conventional05/21/2010 Sold view detail $208,450 Public records Public records AssessmentMarket 2013 $3,331   $538,300 $538,300 05/21/2010 Sold view detail $208,450 Public records Public records information is from The REalty Store, Trulia and Zillow.

Good tip on the Habitat for Humanity stores.

That is why I was asking for ideas on where to store RE money for a 1-2 year window.

With 6 store fronts.We have just contracted a architect to create Plans.