If you don't, then I probably will benefit from that same appreciation as well.Rent control, eliminating no-cause evictions, inconvenience payments, those crush values much more readily and to a greater extent (usually) than a bubble burst -- there's no way to work around them and there's no opportunity to take advantage of.

There is a wealth of knowledge here - take advantage of that knowledge. 

Being an agent will not only save you commissions, but also offers an advantage in knowing the local markets better than most. 

I would try to get help to bargain down (contractors like car salesman tend to take advantage of women) like actual time and materials of the plumber at $50-100/hour.

Using the advantages and benefits of your VA loan is very smart to do at your age and if you hit it right on the neighborhood, after you live-in for a year, you could be looking very good for a refi so you can go do it again elsewhere.

I wasn't planning on selling the property, but the market jumped and I took advantage. 

Even if the contract calls for mediation/arbitration, it could still be advantageous to consult an attorney if you can get a free consultation.Also in my market the EMD is held by escrow so the seller does not simply get to decide that they want to keep the EMD. 

If you are in a market competing with them and don't have this invasive requirement than you have an advantage over them with some tenants while others may be drawn to them. 

Chicago taxes are no joke, glad you are able to take advantage of the lower taxes in Will county.Would love to hear how this deal pans out....you got to make it happen!

I wanted to park some money into RE as I had some in stocks, crypto and found that RE has many tax advantages as well as monthly cash flow in addition to principal pay down.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?