I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

Not only does it hurt the returns, it is a very attractive target for ambulance-chasing lawyers and title fraud.  

You know… my experience with those who are “gurus” is that I would rather spend the time, effort and resources I have to learn the subject.

Again, if anyone knows of any resources about building a park and running it, please let me know. 

Many pay to much for their needs as they go for high profile CPAs who are targeting working with "higher profile" clients.

How would you recommend, or what resources would you refer for us to properly figure out how we spend our time and appropriately get compensated for it?

Here's my free resource; https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qCD_XIgmg-2BGGzsDbWq...

@Dave Foster is a great resource on 1031 exchanges. 

There are a lot of great resources here and around the web for people looking to invest in Birmingham.

You may also want to consider the type of tenant you are targeting.