Try talking to local banks who want to do business with you.

Build your network by joining local real estate investor meetups or online communities like BiggerPockets.

I found a 4 BR home next to local hospital. 

I'm not local but may be worth a trip and 1 week off clearing the lots if I can save some money.

You could also explore a jv partnership with a local investor.

As for offering subject-to financing, this is something that can be advertised under 'seller financing' in our local MLS, and there's investors that search specifically for listings with that marked, so that should introduce your property to a new set of buyers that may not have considered it before.

HUDuser.org is great for vacancy rates, but cross-referencing with local market reports is important for more context.For job diversity and employers, LinkedIn or regional economic development websites often provide insights.

If you wish to network or ask specific questions about your local market, you can go to your local real estate forum and discuss with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking 5.

.✅ Hands-On Experience – If you plan to grow your real estate portfolio, managing tenants yourself can teach you valuable lessons about leases, maintenance, and local rental laws.✅ More Control – You’ll personally handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property upkeep, ensuring everything is done to your standards.✅ Stronger Tenant Relationships – Being involved directly allows you to build rapport with your tenants, which can lead to better communication and longer leases.Cons of Self-Managing❌ Time-Consuming – Dealing with maintenance requests, late-night emergencies, and tenant disputes can quickly become a second job.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

Some ways to find that person is local Real Estate Investor Facebook groups, local Real Estate Investor Associations, Realtors who list multiple properties for other investors, Bigger Pockets website's forum, and local property managers.You will also want to try to get on the buyer's list for local real estate wholesalers.To Your Success!