Trading the big banks is just gambling on headlines at this point.

Also, appreciation is somewhat of a gamble.

Maybe check with the local investors in La Crosse and border of Minnesota

I have been here since 1975 also with 29 years USPS..I tell out of area investors to stick to outer 322 zips that border 320 zips by 1 or 2.

The bank mentioned they can't finance investment across the border. 

For Chicagoland I really favor going to across the border into NWI, especially if you are looking at SFR.  

That's gambling, straight up!

There often are residences that are next to commercial areas and which fall under commercial zoning but aren't used that way.If your zoning map is online check out other residences bordering this street.

You can still name only large properties on the first list and gamble that the other property will close within the 180 day window of the first sale so you can use both in the purchase.  

Much like in the stock market trying to “time” the market is simply a gamble unless you have a crystal ball.