Most realtors I have talked to wont even start looking with you until you have that squared away.  

and you will have access to the really cool things about Chicago that you just wont have if you live in the burbs.I might be careful about buying property in Illinois, the state is actually losing people at a fairly fast pace. 

But I was told that the lenders I was referred to wont allow that as the property I am buying will be hard to appraise because there are no comps for it.The property is a triplex.

It also wont pass UL and ASTM standards which puts all liability back on the property owner. 

The place was destroyed completely. 

He's flexible with his time and wont have you sign any exclusive agreement papers.  

If a tenant destroys your home/apartment, who gets the bill?  

Don't let them put the burden back on you.I never run a credit/background again unless you feel that they wont qualify.

With all the changes to happen along Broadway (McDonalds was just demolished to be replaced with a brand new one I think) I wont be surprised to see the prices continue to rise.

An interior designer wont have the construction knowledge typically for this type of project, but some would.