Hello all,My wife and I own an Airbnb rental in Chicago, IL, and live in Sacramento, CA. 

I also know that @Jonathan Klemm will be able to help you make an impact on all the Navy folks up in the Chicago area!

I am looking for great deals in the Chicago area.  

I have a load-bearing wall that splits the living room to the kitchen.

In Chicago, there are rules, restrictions and guidelines you would need to follow to do something like this.

@Josh TatsunoIn Tampa, if you are doing a “one for one” house renovation, meaning you are simply replacing items and not moving load bearing walls or structures… it is a couple of weeks.For more intricate remodels where engineering stamped plans are required, I’ve experienced 8-12 weeks myself.

(People from everywhere--come here to work--legally and illegally, it's the capital of Texas)San Antonio is one county (Bexar) pronounced Bear for whatever reason, and several neighborhoods.

The question would be, are there others you can go ahead and connect with to achieve the same objective today and MLS leads begin appearing for you.Hope that helps.Ken

Also, bear in mind I am an international investor so my situation is a bit more complex.

@Steven RoysterAsk for recommendations in the Chicago forum:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/664-chicago-real-estate-forumAlso, attend a local REI club meeting and ask there