I used HD to remodel the kitchen and bathrooms of my personal residence.

HiI am getting started in REI and working on building up my contact list of other investors, attorneys, handymen and other friends.A little about meI have been studying real estate basics for the last 6 years, helped few of my own close friends ( my own home) buy and sell houses just to learn the trade but not for commissionWith my education and bit of experience, just started venturing in this new field but puruing very actively and aggressively.I realized having a good team along side in my journey will truly be helpful and mutually beneficial.Please reach out with your interests in REI and how we will be able to help each other.I live in the nw suburbs in Chicago area and currently working on a townhouse deal.

@Daniel Walker this is not the first person who said condos on 30A are not money makers, which I am fine with, I am not looking at cash flowing, simply looking for the things I listed in my previous post.  

Personally, I'm never lucky so I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. 

I can act as 'your local person' if at all you are looking for a deal in bay area, CA and around.

I feel that in pursuing this new objective, I have learned more about myself and the fascinating world of personal finance in the last few months than I have in... maybe ever.

What are some of the qualities I should be looking for in a person?

(Understanding that managing the place yourself is arguably the best way to do it, how much of a headache is it when you live far from your investment property and your job keeps you close to home such that you can't personally ensure that the property management company is managing the place well?)

Long story short, the dad passed away, the mom moved on, and my friend stayed awhile but had personal issues and had to move away.

I realize you can't eat equity unless you sell or refinance, but it's still yours.