Investor’s Toolkit
Overview
Investing in real estate requires a multi-dimensional focus that not only considers the property but the community, politics, economics, and emerging development plans and opportunities surrounding the property. The South Side Housing Digest’s Investor’s Toolkit helps keep you connected!
Real Estate Investor Clubs/Societies
Seeking to be part of a community of investors you can bounce ideas around with and stay up to date on what’s happening; consider joining one of Chicagoland’s many real estate investment associations:
- Chicago Area Real Estate Investor Association
- Chicago Creative Investors Association
- Midwest Real Estate Association of Chicago
Area Auction/Foreclosure Resources
Following the Market Downturn, foreclosures and short sales are the order of the day, yielding buyers/investors unbelievable deals. Here are some great website to keep you connected:
- Chicagoland Real Estate Auctions
- Rick Levin & Associates Commercial/Home Auctions
- The Illinois Foreclosure Listing Service
Community Development Organizations
Neighborhoods and communities are only as strong, vibrant and desirable as the business communities that are part of them. Community development is key to neighborhood stabilization and growth. Here are some key organizations to get to know:
- Chicago Community Development Corporation
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
- Quad Communities Development Corporation
- The Illinois Tax Increment Association
South Side Property Management Companies
Many experienced and first time landlords find property management daunting, check out some of the South Side’s property management companies to help ease your Landlord Responsibilities!
- Carter Ware Group
2455 E. 75th Street - Travis Realty
840 E. 87th Street - Mac Property Management
1352 E. 53rd Street - Wolin Levin
1740 E. 55th Street
Real Estate Education/Training
After “Location, Location, Location”; the second biggest lesson of real estate is “Education, Education, Education”. Knowledge really is power, and Chicago’s universities offer some excellent real estate education programs to consider:
- Depaul University Master of Science in Real Estate
- John Marshall Law School Master of Laws (LLM) in Real Estate Law
- Roosevelt University Master of Science in Real Estate
- University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Arts in Real Estate
Real Estate News/Info You Can Use
- Looking for Bargain Buys with Low Down Payments, Appraisal fees or mortgage insurance, buy a Fannie Mae owned property, through Home Path.
- Chicago Real Estate Daily – Crain’s Chicago
- Find Out What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood, Check Out Chicago Everyblock for latest business, crime, entertainment reports.
- Landlord’s Make Sure You’re Aware of Your Rights & Responsibilities Under the Renter-Friendly Chicago Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance!


