We started driving around our market, taking note of new developments and properties for sale.

For exterior color I would suggest driving the new build communities and take note of the colors. 

Once you identify a few, go and drive them and see how the areas look. 

A drive-by appraisal was done four weeks ago.  

Hi BP Gurus / Seniors,I am new to the REI and placed an offer for my first multi-unit property.Here are the details.Area: Near by Shabbona Park, DunningNumber of Units: Legal 3Built: 1950Price: $455,000 ($450k (purchase) + $5k (Minor repairs: Nice to fix but not an immediate need))Loan Type: Conventional (20% down & 2.5% interest rate)Annual Gross Rent: $38,400 (Tenants pays Electricity + Gas)Annual Expenses (Property Tax + Insurance + City utility): $10,000Parking Space: 3 (Garage – 2 & Side Pad – 1)Other details: Exterior Brick, free laundry in basement, all units occupied and it is a turnkey property.Pros: Steps away to CTA Bus Stop; Good Elementary school (PK-8); Walkable to Shabbona Park Recreation, Restaurants and Grocery Stores; 10 mins drive to Schiller Woods; 15 mins drive to Airport & low crime to visit the property any time confidently.Cons: Below average High School & 20 mins CTA Bus to Blue Line.My Situation: I will be in Chicago area until next Summer and relocate to Texas.

However, there is one area that I don't see a lot of people are talking about and I've driven all over that area (I drive for UberEats) and they are nice.

Had to drive 14 hours on day of closing to get proper documents to all parties.

Had to drive 14 hours on day of closing to get proper documents to all parties.

Drive for Dollar - This is a very simple driving around the neighborhoods you will like to own a rental property (you can use an App) and look for any property with tall grass, bushes, abandoned house etc. then skip trace the seller(s).

@MarieChele Porter I no longer have a PM because all my investments are now within an easy hour's drive and I have educated myself on self managing by hanging out here and belonging to a local REI association; and frankly my PM was not as committed to protecting my backside as I am!