The real estate investment market is changing quickly, creating exciting opportunities for investors of all experience levels. This guide breaks down the key steps to sharpen your strategy, assemble a strong support team, and gear up for your first (or next) property acquisition. Discover how to overcome analysis paralysis, tap into essential resources, and take practical steps toward reaching your real estate goals in 2025.

Veteran real estate investor Kirby Atwell shares a powerful short-term rental strategy that propelled him toward financial freedom and consistent passive income. By targeting multi-unit properties in up-and-coming markets near major cities, Atwell highlights how savvy property selection and strategic optimization can unlock impressive cash flow. His innovative approach goes beyond typical vacation rentals, demonstrating how market research and diverse income streams can reshape real estate investing success.

Thanks to everyone who joined the Chicago Veterans Real Estate Group meetup at Boulevard! Highlights included Kirby Atwell’s insights on building a short-term rental portfolio for financial freedom and Sam Sharp’s market update. Stay tuned for the full video on our YouTube channel and get ready for more events in 2025.

Screening tenants is a key factor in successful property management. BCG Real Estate Group offers best practices, from advanced background checks to verifying landlord references, to help investors minimize risks.

Discover the lessons from my 16-year journey in real estate investing, starting with a 4-flat in El Paso at 22 years old. Learn the 11 key insights that can help you avoid common mistakes, leverage opportunities, and achieve success in the real estate market.

Are you a property manager or investor in Chicago? A sewer scope inspection can be a valuable tool to protect your investment property from costly sewer line problems. This quick and painless procedure helps identify hidden issues before they become emergencies.

Adding an additional dwelling unit in Chicago? By adhering to local regulations and design guidelines, property owners can seamlessly integrate these ADUs into their structures. Whether it’s converting a basement, attic, or garage, the process involves careful planning, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with building codes. As Chicago continues to evolve, embracing ADUs offers a practical solution to housing challenges while enhancing property value and neighborhood vitality.

How much does luck play into success in real estate? For me, quite a bit! And I’m sure the same is true for a lot of folks reading this.

I’m a firm believer in that adage “the harder I work, the luckier I get.” The real estate journey I’ve been on has been a get rich slow train — and I honestly prefer it this way. But luck certainly played a role in getting to where I’m at today, no doubt about it. Let me break it down…

The Chicago multifamily real estate market can be complex, and at times filled with potholes and landmines. It is extremely vital - if you are going to invest in multifamily properties in Chicago - that you do these four things…

Despite the challenges, BCG Real Estate Group started our own property management company due to bad past experiences with outsourcing and a desire for cost control and better tenant care. Building these "PM muscles" internally allowed us to scale with acquisitions and ensure the smooth operations of our Chicago buildings. While acquiring clients is tough, retaining them is easier with good service. And though managing properties isn't easy, BCG values helping people, maintaining beautiful buildings, and having direct control over costs, making it rewarding and the right move for our situation.

The economics of a mid-term rental are kind of like a goldilocks scenario when it comes to revenue, not as hot and lucrative as short-term rentals but not as cold and boring as long-term rentals, kind of just right.