I recently sold all my small stuff because the economies of scale and consistent cash flow of larger deals dominate the small ones. 

The developers are mainly large local or regional players though.

If you have significant assets and have a trust or estate plan, I suggest you bring those players in as well to address issues that can affect other aspects of your legal and financial life.There isn't much tax savings as opposed to dealing as an individual other than an entity will make expenses easier to recognize as a business expense rather than being seen as consumed for personal use.

(Being an ex water polo player and swimmer it blows your mind.)

All the major "players" in the World invest part of their money in Real Estate.Hmmmmmm......I wonder why?

There is so little room to develop that only the huge players have a chance, and even when they do, it hardly puts a dent in the demand.

Players gonna play. 

These are my thoughts BEFORE the event later today.This is the event that basically reveals the "how" Tesla will continue to grow their dominance in the EV industry.1)  Million mile battery -  a battery that will last longer than any ICE (old school fossil fuel burning combustion engine) car.   2)  New battery technology (code name Roadrunner)- higher density, cheaper manufacturing cost, newer cheaper/environmentally friendly ingredients =  translation:  lower cost of the making the car and easier manufacturing to further their mission.

I'm a new investor, and I'm looking to build a team of "A" players to buy apartment buildings in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs.

Find out what they want most of all (find out their dominant selling motive) and then provide it while getting whatever it is you want (lower down payment, better cash flow, lower interest rate etc...).