Referrals are by far the strongest way to grow, since trust is already established and one happy client can lead to several more. 

Hey everyone,I’m comparing two 3-unit properties in Chicago and could use some insight from local investors.Option 1 – South Side (near Woodlawn area):Priced around $830KModern finishes, newer construction styleCurrent rents around $2,195, $2,000, and $2,000The area has a lot of new developments and new 3-flats going upMy concern: with so many new buildings being added, there’s likely going to be more rental competition, and property taxes may jump once reassessments catch up to all the new construction.Option 2 – Pilsen area:Priced around $735KAlso modern updates but smaller units (two 2-beds and one 3-bed)Taxes are currently low, but likely because the property hasn’t been reassessed since the recent renovationsThe area feels more established, with strong tenant demand and characterSo I’m weighing the growth potential and higher risk in the newer South Side market versus the more stable rents and potentially upcoming tax adjustments in Pilsen.Would you lean toward the newer-construction area with possible tax jumps but longer-term appreciation upside, or the lower-tax, established neighborhood that might get hit with reassessment later?

You can always just subdivide and add the major utilities, then sell the lots in increments.

I would underwrite this as a heavy value add deal and ignore the what if unit add and bedroom conversion until you verify code, permits, and utility capacity, because those are bonus plays not base case.

I am a small, relatively inexperienced investor working with a much larger, established organization.

Other utilities are my responsibility.

I’ve been thinking about a conversation I had recently about marketing agencies.There is the obvious risk everyone talks about (bad results), but there is a quieter, long-term risk that I see capital raisers run into: Dependency.It is very easy to treat marketing like a utility bill: you just pay it to keep the lights on.

Quick BackgroundMy spouse and I are 100% disabled veterans in Northern Virginia (close to major employment companies/contractors/tech hubs, Reston Town Center, Metro).We both work in tech, but my spouse will stop working soon(burnout).Goal is early retirement + passive income, not building a huge portfolio, which seems difficult in this HCOLAWe’re not handy, but spouse is considering leaving Tech and going to school full time for carpentry utilizing Post 911 benefitsHave around 150-200k in liquid capital We realize that when one spouse leaves tech, the ability to really pay down a mortgage will be greatly reducedCurrent Property (Owned Free & Clear)Estimated value from Zillow: ~$776,300 (does not include massive kitchen renovation)4 bed / 3 bathEstimated rent: ~$3,500/mo (without renovation included)Scenario 1 (Leaning this way)Use a VA loan to buy a smaller primary residence locally (0% down).

Placing property under an LLC establishes a distinct boundary between your personal and business assets.Tax/Cost: Owning the investment in your own name makes tax filing and compliance a lot simpler.

How to make sure no liens on property like taxes, utilities etc.