Since there's a chance I might move away in about 3-4 years, I want to make sure I can rent it out later and cover all my expenses with the rental income.Can anyone recommend areas in downtown Chicago that would fit my criteria and might appreciate a bit over time?

I've managed to house hack my way to owning a fully paid-off 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 900-square-foot home valued at approximately $67,500.

If you are tracking depreciation for purposes of repairs and maintenance (like anticipated timing of a new roof for example), you could probably get away with using excel and then just manually booking a journal entry.

There is a full time caretaker hired for 35K a year.

There are some additional things that could help determine which loan product is best for your situation.203k Best When:- Credit scores 680-720 or less- Renovation will improve the value of the home more than 75%- Renovations will be on or in the home - no new yard projects, only fixing existing- Higher Debt To Income (can get approval with up to 56.9% dti)HomeStyle Best When:- Purchase + Renovation costs will come in higher than FHA Limits- Home improvements will only improve vale 75% or less - 720+ credit or 20% down (of purchase price + reno cost) to avoid PMI- Exterior Projects (fence, hardscaping, pool, outdoor kitchen)- Lower Debt To Income (sometimes as high as 50%, many times between 45-50%)- Renovations that are greater than $35,000 (soon this will move up to $75,000)Happy to answer any other questions that you may have!

The downside to the east coast is that looking at properties and meeting with people takes time and effort at a minimum 2-3 day trip.

Hi,Can you all recommend good broker to join as a part time agent?

I want to make a smart decision and take advantage of the market conditions.

See it all the time, all it is, is a waste of $. 

If you have a property manager you are working with, they might be able to assist as well!