Soon after we got married we purchased my first 3 flat deal. 2 of the 3 units needed remodeling before we could rent.

One thought on the remodels if you could get one unit vacant, remodel that one, and then move an existing tenant over to the remodeled unit, repeat the process until you are done.I have done that before and it's worked out well for everyone, the tenant gets a fresh place to live and the disruption is minimal.

If you are willing to do remodeling and build sweat equity, you can find some great zip codes inside the city limits.

I am currently remodeling it slowly.

I work for a local contractor and run/manage most of the jobs so if you ever need any remodeling help, feel free to reach out.

I currently work for a design-build company where I handle all things money for condo deconversion remodels in downtown Chicago and skilled nursing facilities around the country.My main focus right now is finding a 2-flat house hack in the Chicago area to move into using a bank loan.

If it does not make sense, you might need to force appreciation with some DIY remodels or pay a contractor TRIPLE what the real cost would be (joking, but not really).

Make some remodels on the property to force some appreciation, but do not go overboard.

Investor does have ties to construction and remodeling, but doesn't want to do multiple flips a year, maybe 1 or 2.

This one needed a new roof (including framing, flooring throughout, plumbing, both baths remodeled, rewired all the electrical and several additional odds and ends like paint, trim, pointwork, a lid on the septic system etc.