I am coming from a lender's perspective and someone that grew up downstate IL and spent a lot of time in the Western Suburbs...you might have picked one of the toughest cities in American to start developing in.

Greetings,Here is an update on the current National Commercial Retail Real Estate Market in The United States of America:Despite longstanding concerns of a softening economy and eventual pullback in consumer spending, U.S. retail space markets remained resilient in the first half of 2023 thanks to steady demand from a diverse array of sectors, a still below-average pace of store closures, and minimal new supply.Overall, demand for space grew by nearly 12 million SF during 23Q2, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of growth for retail space markets.

I grew up in Anne Arundel county and am somewhat familiar with Brooklyn Park, which I remember as a blue collar type of town. 

I grew up in Tampa, plus one of my siblings is an agent in Tampa.

You grew up or already live in Englewood (or a similar area)2.

Or you may know a market really well because you went to college there or grew up there.Good luck and let me know if I can help with anything!

Grew up there and our family home was bought out by blue acres in central NJ and demolished due to Sandy. 

@Brian Mahon Hi Brian, not a meetup/ group but sharing as an FYI that there is scheduled to be a conference in Lancaster at the convention center in Spring 2021 (postponed from 2020).https://www.realestatehackersconference.com/I grew up in Lancaster (country/suburbs), its a truly great area but I agree with the investing points above.

For example, I grew up in Colerain Township, and it has some great neighborhoods, but also some less desirable for investing.

I grew up in the Los Angeles area - Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, West Covina, South San Gabriel, and Long Beach.