Chicago

Student housing has a unique ability to outperform other property types in a down market, a compelling feature given where we are in the cycle.

The massive development occurring in the South Loop and West Loop has not dampened demand for River North units.

But it's very difficult to get conventional financing to acquire and improve multifamily properties in need of significant rehab.

Single-user investment sales in 2017 totaled $13.2 billion on 1,158 properties with a total of 171.4 million square feet, a 45.4% increase from the previous year, according to Avison Young.

Demand has been strong enough to fill up many specs finished in 2017.

South FL has been the standout market for investors, and most major markets, including Chicago and NYC, have seen boosts in performance.

The city center has become one of the region's hottest residential markets.

The use of shipping containers lowers the cost for retailers, and provides far more flexibility.