*This also assumes that the interest rate doesn't ever decrease below current levels.

I'm interested in developing the muscle of analyzing properties and getting the feel of different markets.

I'll be sure to implement your feedback: you've given me a good starting point for metrics to really look at, and reminded me that, in the long run, house hacks might turn out well, even if I have negative cash flow for a couple years (and living expenses might decrease my first year anyway).

Chicago prices have decreased about 3.2% since the highs of this past summer when interest rates were still relatively low.   

I still use a two tone paint scheme in my nicer units in Berwyn, but in tougher areas using the same paint on the doors, trim, walls and ceiling can dramatically decrease your costs long term. 

Some people have put all their properties under 1 LLC, and some people create multiple LLC's to decrease the risk of anything happening to all properties together, versus just a few. 

The goal is to increase the first and/or decrease the second. 

Per SEC we would not see rate decrease this year but 2024 is set.

What's unfortunate for renters is that in typical bureaucratic fashion, these laws are already having the complete opposite effect as intended, 1) rental inventory is now decreasing because the largest operators are preferring to leave rent-controlled units in NYC vacant in hopes the laws change 2) app qualification criteria has gotten WAY stricter, so application approval rates have dropped, 3) days vacant has increased despite inventory being low because PM's and landlords would rather leave the unit vacant a few more weeks in hopes of finding a better-qualified renter, whereas in the past we would just collect a double deposit to approve a borderline applicant and be on our way.  

Over time rents will increase and principal will decrease.