Hi @Danielle Sanders You definitely have the right frame of mind in seeking a mentor - a seasoned local investor can be invaluable in helping you learn the tricks of the trade here.Just be careful that you set expectations correctly for yourself and for the mentor - most of the time that I've sought the advice of a mentor, they've directed me to some resource or material.Let me know if you think that "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" might help you in your real estate investing journey!

The ethical side is fair pricing for services rendered, it is covered under the Fair Trades Act as amended, gouging is usually associated with jacking up gas prices or selling generators at 4 times their value after a hurricane, but it also applies to general business conduct.

What are your goals for trading your Chicago property for one in Torrance?

Bryan, could you please explain what you mean by "rent vs economic vacancy trade off"?

The benefit of keeping me as a good renter for another year is you dont raise my rent... thats the trade off.

I’m also very handy with other trades, can do my own drywall, painting, flooring, plumbing, you name it.

What we're missing here is the fact that the land developer and the builder often aren't the same people. 2006 was the start of the housing crash as the large publicly traded home builders started to pull back in preparation for what they saw as a cyclical recession.

I imagine you trade the (relative) ease of the process for a smaller cash flow correct?

If I were an electrician I'd be looking to barter electrical work with another trades-person.

I've considered offering to just swing by and get the cash.