I know i can do things like read the paper and be vigilant to find out where new schools or arenas or shopping centers are being built but how do I find out where teh good neighborhoods are, where rent is going up, where the new up and coming district is, etcChicago is a huge city and I'd really like to make this first purchase the right one.

I currently own 2 pawn shops located in up state New York.

SOB  I drive over to the shop and grab the torpedo heater , fill it with $ 50.00 of Kerosene , grab some buckets ( to flush toilets if need be)  I grab scrap wood and  tarps.  

He also adds value to my business by helping source tenants thru our collective network, manage subcontractors, and handle my construction-- so I can focus on my economic engine- sales day job.My business model-- I'm sitting on 3 duplexes and 1 quadplex in solid parts of the Twin Cities-- in young, vibrant areas near breweries, coffee shops and great restaurants...

I will be over there in april  maybe we can grab a coffee and talk shop..

I'm currently shopping for 1-4 unit properties.

It is basically a two or three man shop that does outstanding residential and small commercial work. 

My 2 newb partners and are trying to buy a second rental property, one where the numbers work well, and a local credit union is telling us 5.5% for 20 years and possibly with a balloon, whereas we had been planning on 4.5% for 30 years and no balloon.Wondering if the CU's figures seem reasonable to you, or if you might be able to provide another lending source(s).We are shopping around, locally, right now, but it seems likely we have a deal, so we're kinda antsy to find the best lender terms we can.Thank you for whatever you can offer ...

If you are shopping for molding at HD, you are paying too much.

I am an American (DFW originally) currenlty living overseas, looking to invest in RE in DFW area.