Benzinga, Bloom Partner on Investor Ed
Financial data provider Benzinga and investing platform Bloom have established a relationship to bring institutional-grade financial education to a new generation of investors. The partnership aims to improve access to sophisticated market context and long-term wealth-building strategies.
Chicago's multifamily market is defined by a supply shortage, with new construction starts hitting a decade-low in 2025. This has resulted in a vacancy rate of 5.0%, significantly below the U.S. average of 8.5%. For 2026, rent growth is forecast to be 3%, driven by the ongoing lack of new apartment units. This environment is leading developers to focus on adaptive reuse projects, with 806 such units scheduled for delivery downtown in 2026. Investment opportunities vary by neighborhood, with cap rates in prime areas like Lincoln Park and River North typically ranging from 3-5%. In emerging neighborhoods such as Logan Square and Pilsen, cap rates are more moderate, in the 5-7% range. For investors focused on cash flow, areas on the South and West Sides can offer cap rates from 7-10% or higher. The citywide average cap rate for multifamily properties is approximately 7.5%. For those looking to transition into the industry, real estate investment firms in Chicago prioritize candidates with strong quantitative and financial modeling skills, particularly in Excel and software like ARGUS. An understanding of real estate valuation methods and market research is also critical. Many entry-level analyst and associate roles require 2-4 years of experience in real estate or financial analysis. To build capital for personal investments, tax strategies are crucial. Investors can utilize depreciation, deduct mortgage interest and operating expenses, and defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange, which allows for the reinvestment of proceeds from a sale into a similar property. Advanced strategies like cost segregation studies can accelerate depreciation deductions, increasing upfront tax savings. Publicly traded REITs offer another path for real estate investment. Sectors showing strong demand include industrial properties, driven by e-commerce, as well as data centers and single-family rentals. Ares Industrial Real Estate Income Trust (AIREIT) is one example of a REIT focused on acquiring industrial properties in major metropolitan areas, including the Midwest. To stay current, professionals in the Midwest follow publications like Connect CRE, GlobeSt, and REJournals for regional news and transaction data. Following local market reports from firms like Marcus & Millichap and CBRE provides granular insights into submarket performance, construction pipelines, and shifting economic drivers that influence property values.
