@Christopher Laverdure I think that although equity build-up (just counting mortgage pay down alone) would be counted, it unfortunately is very slow at first....but it does add up. 

My condo is in a B neighborhood but due to the slow demand, I have not had a good pool of candidates here in Palatine. 

Note, I'm not an economist and can't predict the future.I heard a blurb on NPR today that suggested the rental market might be slowing down. 

@Brennon Williamson I don't know your schooling situation, but beware that school debt can slow you down once you do begin to invest.

There's always what-if's, but not letting them slow you down is the key to progress.I hope to be wondering the same thing a few years from now when I get more rentals.

But the winter here, does not slow down the experience flipper. 

I haven't dealt with one before and have been reading about how they can end up a painstakingly slow process!

Hello all,I'm in the (dreadfully slow) process of getting approved for an FHA loan through a conventional lender, and am wondering if it would be better, or maybe easier/quicker to just try and go through a portfolio lender?

I know a handful of younger investors are buying there and it's on a slow path to rejuvenation. 

This would consist of 3-5 people (ideally in the bay area) that are very serious about accelerating their real estate investment goals and learning.