Possibly already permitted outbuildings that already have plumbing such as workshops, offices, etc might be able to be converted to an ADU at a cost that does not result in the cost being more than the value added.Building an ADU is a lot of work and can be a slow process.  

Just curious on possible strategies or suggestions from anybody currently thats an agent in the Central Illinois or Chicago area.

A reliable lender can fund a loan within days, this opens the door to countless more deals allowing you to get the best possible price. 

Sorry to be blunt, but you were doing everything wrong that you possibly can do.

Do you think SCI can possibly pay a mortgage for ?

A couple of decades ago a collection agency collected judgement and never paid a penny to us and you couldn't possibly collect from collection agencies.(8) No attorney takes a collection case, unless it exceeds $10,000 and multiple collections.

We are open to investing locally however living in Orange County CA, I don't know if that is possible?  

I personally like to buy in towns/neighborhoods in which no new builds are possible within 10 miles because all the land is developed.

Hey Account Closed - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

Be wary of the facebook groups as most folks will have a "pitch" or just see the possibility of a transaction.