After one summer of STRs I came back in the winter took a first lean mortgage on the property to replace the roof (and build my RV which I plan on living in while renting in the summer).

I told them that it was a better idea that, instead of buying a home first, we can buy an investment property and keep renting after we build some equity, sell it and put the down payment for 2 houses or a duplex and live in one and rent the other one (for me, i could keep renting until we buy a lot of investment properties and then move to one of them), but my family wants to buy a home firts and then the investment property.Can someone give me a light of what is better or the pros and cons.Thank you so much.

However, I would like to build connections and eventually start here in California.

You can offer to lend the seller money to stop the foreclosures. 7 or do a lease with an option to buy - making up the back payments that would be considered you advance lease payment.Always look at the property if you have intentions of bidding at the auction (this can be tricky because you need to do that with the owner's permission - do try to build a rapport with seller  - also look at the foreclosure suit to find out what the bank is looking for and if there is a second mortgage or other liens.At the court house steps when the auction take place you need to be well prepared with your certified funds but more importantly you need to know the fast sale value of the property - you don't want to pay retail.Get to know your competition - there will be professionals at the foreclosure auction looking to capture some serious equity.

Chicago has also seen strong appreciation in both home prices and rents the past few years.Worst part - Don't get lured into the D class neighborhoods because the cash flow looks good on paper.

The best way to get started here (or anywhere) is to start by purchasing your own primary home because it's easier to qualify for the loan and it gives you a chance to build equity and you can purchase more house with a lower down payment.

I believe that starting out, you would need to find an investor lawyer and accountant to help you set up the legal entities in both countries, then research your market, find financing, build a team, and so on. 

Check your local building codes regarding what is required for an exit vent for one of these things.

There's a lot going for the neighborhood

Good afternoon Bigger Pockets Fam, my name is Jamall and I’m a newbie and I’m looking forward to networking, building, and adding value to the community.