With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

Chicagoland is extremely tenant friendly so understand that going in. 

Wholesaling teaches you an extremely valuable skill in RE: How to find off-market deals.

I was extremely humbled by people and their excuses when it comes to paying rent on time.

Self-showing services are extremely common but that should be in the contract. 

Margins on the market today are extremely tight.

I also own 4 STR properties that do extremely well.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.

I use it for my rental property extremely easy to use.

Btw, this kind of note-taking has been extremely helpful in other aspects of my life, and I imagine it will work quite well for real estate as well.