I'm a new investor, starting out in the Twin Cities. 

This has turned the city upside down in the rental business.

I am looking for a real estate attorney to help me remove a destructive tree in front of my house, which unfortunately is on city property.

Joe if you do go the multi family route check out NBT bank's "Home in the City" Loan.

Can I put contingencies like, 1) need to pass city rental inspection(scheduling that will be tough with in 5 days).2) Satisfactory review of all tenants related document, lease, income, criminal check, employment, rent payment historyAlso any suggestion on what should I be looking for.

I notice that city's regulations often limit how much a developer can build on his property.

The main cities we are looking into are Chicago (where I grew up!)

One of my mentors used to use a 7 point scale, some use ABC, some ABCDEF, Baltimore City has a map that goes to G, I believe.

In order to convert the house into three units it will need at least $ 105k in rehab.I believe a savy investor can turn the current property into three units plus develop the two l0ts and build two duplexes or two single family houses ( arv for the area 2/2 130-140k 3/2 160-185).most houses in the areas are rental properties although is a very convenient area close to all major highways, MLB Statium and 15-20 minute drive to city capital (Atlanta). i would like to wholesale this deal or possibly partner up on the deal..

I'm about to go back to school and won't have a job but i'm looking into investing in homes in the south east suburbs of the Chicago area, near the city.