Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.While you wait for feedback from local Chicago wholesalers please review the guide below before embarking on your chosen niche.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

We have always chosen to stay debt/mortgage free.

I am new to the real estate investment world and have chosen the path of a wholesaler.  

But owning a well chosen property in a well chosen place has a lot of hidden advantages.

BiggerPockets is Now Able to Target Advertising Based on the Following Criteria:- Occupation: We can target ads to show for a user based upon their chosen occupation on our site.

From MY perspective and MY EXPERIENCE, getting the first profitable deal (regardless of the investors chosen strategy) is very important in the confidence level and rapidly increases their ability to continue and succeed.

You see, when no one else does it, a person that does indeed do it, can take the top position for their chosen keywords or keyword phrases that are already being searched.I didn't send this reply to insult or argue, just responding to your post.

If you can create (develop, redevelop, flip, fix up) a place for people to live that "feels" like a million dollars (and you have chosen a market that supports million dollar valuations) you will get a million dollars for your work.  

Have you chosen an agency yet?

Let's see - $7K in damage done by a tenant in one unit, others had a roof repair, a floor replacement, a new shower/tub liner installation/spackle/paint job, insulation in the basement, 2 dryer repairs, a door replacement, a bathtub/shower refinishing, and a 3 month vacancy....I'm sure there was more, but I've chosen to block it out ;)All properties except 1 were cash flowing, but so much outflow in one year was a disaster.