I’m saving for a down payment, and this blog lists all the deals, discounts, freebies, and tricks I'm learning along the way.  My friends know I yearn to own, so they’re on the lookout for cheap Chicago real estate for me.  One of them sent me an email awhile back -- a house in Ravenswood, ratty and in need of major renovation, but cheap.  Four-bedroom, 3-bath, asking price:  $325,000!  It sold in, like, a millisecond.

Even though it was offered at a cut rate, the house is out of my price range -- FOR NOW.  But, it's a great example of the awesome, cheap opportunities that abound in Chicago.  It’s also great motivation for me to keep saving and being frugal.  Maybe it will inspire you, too.