As far as new construction goes, regardless of the town, anywhere inside the 495 belt you'll be hard pressed to find anything but McMansions being built, due to the high cost of the land.Good luck and welcome!

You don't have to be at the office cold calling, but the days of "not working" are gone in the beginning, if you are at a party you are networking, if you are going to the movies get in a chat with someone and get your card handed out (Always have them....

I have  repaired several homes and have gone the route of pressed piers.  

Hot and cold markets, it always seems to work for people, whether overworked or not.

In Illinois, we get harsh and very cold winters (as well as many other states, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, etc, etc). 

I have been cold emailing and trying to network into interviews.

The issue on this project has been fixed and we are pressing forward.

The first one to go is the one we dread the most.....cold calling FSBO's to ask if they will sell on terms.

Cal for that matter unless you are very skilled, experienced, and tenacious.Having said that, over the long haul the track record on total return (cash flow + appreciation + mortgage pay down) is quite clear ... you are already in a great market and would be hard pressed to find a better ROI out of state.

Call... nine five four - eight two eight - six five two zero....then press 2 on the menu.