--> This is my plan.

This can be good because your realtor will be using them as a resource to help you plan your 1031.

.✅ Hands-On Experience – If you plan to grow your real estate portfolio, managing tenants yourself can teach you valuable lessons about leases, maintenance, and local rental laws.✅ More Control – You’ll personally handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property upkeep, ensuring everything is done to your standards.✅ Stronger Tenant Relationships – Being involved directly allows you to build rapport with your tenants, which can lead to better communication and longer leases.Cons of Self-Managing❌ Time-Consuming – Dealing with maintenance requests, late-night emergencies, and tenant disputes can quickly become a second job.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

Over the next couple of years, I don’t plan to use the property often, but I may stay there occasionally when it’s not occupied.

Areas like Downtown, Summerville, and West Augusta are particularly desirable due to their proximity to amenities, universities, and employment centers.In terms of your preferred strategies, it would be helpful to know what type of lending you plan to use.

I have learned to color code (highlighter) and plan the month/year or week ahead. 

Any advice would be appreciated.I would first talk to a real estate attorney or a foreclosure attorney to make sure that the way you plan to do things passes muster.

There’s definitely a place for both, and I don’t blame anyone for wanting to save a few hundred bucks if all they have is a W-2 with no plans to invest or start a business.But let’s be real—life isn’t that simple.

Where do you plan to find your deals?

Right now, I wouldn't be doing anything with operator as it's $200 a monthHowever, very soon it will be coming to the $20 a month plan.