I would plan for having to put 20%+ down for most deals. 

Ask to see the approved final site plan for the first phase.

We just acquired an existing duplex in Fort Lauderdale and planning on tearing it down and build a new duplex instead.

Quote from @Patrick OHalleran: Hi David - I used HallCPA for a Consulting engagement (about $5k) and found the tax planning support to be very helpful. 

We just love the country and plan to visit often and figured why not expand our business into Japan.

Any changes in federal spending could influence the job market and, subsequently, the real estate market.4.

What’s your contingency plan if costs overrun?

But if you have to jump through hoops or spend a significant amount of money to put it in might not be worth it. 

.✅ 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.

As a result, I would spend more time trying to understand who they are partnering with than anything else.