I've grown rapidly.

I am rather new as well, but have found that this forum is great and very educational.I have a couple multifamily units in the Grand Rapids area that I have owned for a year or so now and learning the ropes as they would say.

Prices are astronomical and I don't see any reasonable deals around with the exception of a few in Mattapan and Roxbury - but even those are rapidly gentrifying.If you look a bit to the south, you can still find some reasonable prices.  

The reason we're interested is because we believe these prices will increase rapidly leaving us behind.

We also do a REI club in Grand Rapids that is meeting this coming monday that is full of new and experienced investors.

Permits are a challenge, you'll have to deal with crappy contractors and subs, costs can inflate rapidly.

I know this isn't a home improvement forum, but I am so happy with the result in the kitchen that I had to share some before and after pictures.As this is my first rental property and a unit I've owned and neglected for 8ys, it felt great to finally get some improvements done and put me one step closer to maximizing the value of a unit located in a rapidly improving market.Before: small galley kitchen, old single-pane window, textured ceiling with dated fixture, lineoleum, ceiling holes from the bathroom renovation upstairs and chasing a tub leakAfter: opened the wall, removed the valence, IKEA cabinets/countertop, repurposed shelves from another room, donated subway tile, free dishwasher and stove (donated from friend that just upgraded,) recessed lightning on a dimmer switch, $300 fridge (thanks Craigslist)

Yeah I just returned from Cali, Colombia this last December and prices continue to increase at a rapid rate.

More and more out-of-state investors are looking to the Southeast, specifically Atlanta which has been growing rapidly over the last 10 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

@Aquila Leon-Soon  The bank I use in Cedar Rapids is Hiawatha Bank.