South Chicago Suburbs - Good Locations for Bargain Properties

[Richard Lucas]

Hello BiggerPockets,

I am a newer investor looking for buy and hold (rental) property.  My strategy is currently to purchase lower cost single family homes under the ~$80,000 range, fix up if needed, and rent.  I am looking for advice on locations in the South Chicago Suburbs where we can find safe, quality tenants, where value is steady or rising.  

We have heard that parts of Blue Island are a good candidate and might be improving.  Specifically west of Western St and north of the river.  Does any one have specific locations in any towns we should concentrate our search?

Thank you,

-Rick

[Kalonji Mitchell]

The specific location in Blue Island works well. That is, indeed, the safest part of Blue Island and an area where you will see the highest retention. Consider South Holland, Lansing, and parts of Calumet City. However, look at the property taxes for each prospective property - they can run relatively high and definitely have the potential to eat up your profits.