All Forum Posts by: Arthur Chou

Hey all, wondering if any of you guys have any advice on how to deal with an uncooperative seller.  Just had an offer accepted on my very first investment property and I'm already dealing with some issues I had not foreseen.  I've been trying to get in contact with the listing agent/seller to have a few contractors walkthrough the property for renovations but they're being uncooperative.  It's been really difficult to get a response from the listing agent/seller on they keep pushing back dates because they do not want to disturb the current tenant.  We've already completed the home inspection and they were already being difficult with us during the home inspection.  I guess I'm wondering, technically speaking, are the owners allowed to prevent us from walking through the property until closing?  Ideally, I wanted everything coordinated to start reno immediately after closing but right now they're making things difficult for me.  Also I really wanted an accurate estimate on renovations as early as possible by having the contractors walk through the property.  Any advice for a first time investor? 

Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker - first time poster. I've been looking to buy a multifamily home in Chicago for the past few months now. I've been going through the motions of assessing properties and I've let a few properties slip through through analysis paralysis! At the same time it's given me a bit more confidence in my ability to find a good deal. I've recently come across a duplex property that seems like a good deal and the basement is unfinished with adequate ceiling height. The issue is that it's outside of the ADU pilot zone. Is it still possible to get a permit to add a basement unit if your property is sitting outside of the ADU pilot zone?

Also, I don't know much about zoning but it's zoned as RT-3.5 which I read is for two flats, SFH, low-density apartment buildings. So I wasn't sure if it allowed for a 3-flat building but I've seen other 3-flat properties in the same zone.

I guess at the very least I'd always have the option to duplex down into the basement instead of converting it into an ADU if the numbers worked out.

Thanks in advance for any help with this!