Since you are local to IL I would narrow your search down to a few areas and take drive yourself during the day. 

Once you start narrowing it down based on what fits for you, then you can go back and start listening to people who are doing that same thing explain more on how to do it. 

It also will help to narrow down your desired locations and property types (duplex, triplex, quadplex, etc).

I am a newbie currently doing similar research and trying to narrow down on cities.

You should start by narrowing down the part of real estate that interests you. 

Plan on narrowing it down even further to specific towns in North Carolina.

When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - more commonly referred to as "popcorn lung" - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways.Not something you want in the air especially with other employees or tenants living there in a multifamily situation

It is a good idea to narrow down your focus to one thing so that you can learn it inside and out.

While my colleagues feel it is better to have a less narrow focus and go for any and all deals that make sense.

I got to Columbus by started broad with "Mid west", looked at a research article from ATTOM data to narrow it down to cities, and currently utilizing "Niche" app to look for good neighborhoods!