Zack,While i think private lending is a geat investment (and a safe one since you hold the note) I'm a firm believer in "don't put all your eggs in one basket."  

Have a $250 item that I can sell in less than 30 minutes...I'll do it.Again, just arbitrary for me, but that's my method of determining whether or not it's worth it.When I don't have the time/inclination to sell something, I'm happy to give stuff away to someone who will recycle or save me the cost of having to haul something off.

I am a firm believe in maps.

Our firm East-West Property Advisors (based in Hong Kong and Shanghai) did a survey a few weeks ago asking exactly that question.

The larger firms will have regional property reports they will send you.Good luck.

My mother started a real estate investment firm, and my sister and I are partners.Though we just started our company, we've been blessed with wholesale as well as flip deals.

What I Want to Accomplish I want to provide nice housing in the form of renting out SFH's, multi's and many-unit properties and to be a solid, friendly but firm, reliable landlord to families and young professionals around my area due to growing up with my family under a "slum-lord."

That's an architecture firm that basically pioneered doing them... and they have some extremely useful pdf downloads that explain how the ordinance works and what sorts of lots work best.

It was hosted by a REI Firm.

I am seeking a very experienced Residential Construction Manager in the Greater Chicago Area.   If someone knows of a person who is qualified please let me know.  I have 4 projects ready to go now and at least 25 more...