I currently live in a competitive market where I have found a BP member who has frequented the podcast whom I would like to connect with.

It’s a very competitive, strong rental market.

I think I'll be one step more bullish than Upen and that it's not uncommon for us to see a 10-year fixed rate with competitive terms if the property is stabilized and you have a good track record.

Your purchase price point is in the very competitive segment of the market and has very unique requirements.

not my area but what i have been told and understand for syndicators to hit their numbers or keep up with the competition max leverage is needed to increase returnshowever having been around this game a few years.. 

I was hoping to build some relationships in other markets where entry into investing was not as competitive and time was available to thoroughly investigate the numbers.

You don't want to look at deals all over the city, as things are very competitive and you will end up trying to learn too many sub markets of Chicago. 

For example, properties below $250k tell us one story (increased buyer competition, seller's market)... and properties between $375k-$500k tell us a bit of a different story (much less competition from buyers, price drops, higher DOM)... 

You need to understand your competition and the market better.

Paying the security deposit in full is (to me, anyway, in my competitive market) a demonstration of financial responsibility.