I'm trying to build my team while i study more into REI. 

With careful planning and prudent management, you can achieve your investment goals and build significant wealth through real estate.Best of luck, and keep us updated on your journey!

I lived in an owner-occupied building with 2 total units. 

I was thinking about driving for dollars to build a list of at least 3,000 properties.

Not sure if higher purchase prices/rates have created this boom or if it's that all the new supply of rentals in Chicago is aimed at top end luxury *$3000 1br type builds etc. but rents have shot up on the north side.

I do live in my building so my income from the other 2 units in the building go toward my mortgage payment.

Wanting to explore other options or find out other financial strategies for trying to build a detached home on our lot without having to refinance out of our 2.75 interest rate with a cash out or doing a HELOC.

I'm a licensed agent in both markets, licensed general contractor in columbus and soon to be miami, I travel to capital markets and the highest interest is in ground up construction and purchasing of entitled sites. 1 million is light for downtown but you can get 8-12 story sites for that that you can put high density on. phenomenal opportunities. best market in the country. you can sweat equity by doing the zoning meetings, helping on design, etc.

Also, in Southern CA, we have a lobbying group named the BIA (Building Industry Association)...they lobby for pro housing legislation both at the state level and city/county level. 

We're looking to connect and build our network/new friends.