Per the Des Plaines Zoning Department the subject cannot be rebuilt as a multi-unit property if destroyed more than 50%."

I would recommend going down to the jurisdiction the property is located in and talking with the planning and development or permitting departments to see what they would ding you on. 

Dear all, I was just wondering if anyone started completely from scratch. 

Many landlords have paid dearly for that mistake. 

Event if it cost very affordable to do it you should check with the building and zoning department first.

Dear BP,I started reading about REI, and there are so many ways to Invest in Real Estate, I listened to several of the podcasts, and people have succeeded in different ways of Investing, Multi home, Single home, Commercial etc.

Certainly a letter from the police department warning a previous landlord of their illegal activity and threatening to close the property is considered sufficient evidence.14.

Dear community, For the past 6 months I have been actively looking to buy my first investment property. 

Maybe I am overreacting to the dear that the house-flipping shows make it look too easy, and assuming everything on that site will come with unforeseen liens, an eviction, and a major renovation.

I recommend using a lender with their own in house approval and draw department as they have more control over the contractor approval and are much easier to work through the process of getting your contractor paid.