In addition, you want a separate bank account for the rental property to separate it from your personal accounts.

I spent many years managing myself and personally collecting rent checks. 

Highly suggest coming out to some of the local chicago IN-PERSON meetups! 

In high-cost markets like Chicago, that can be tough to meet.If you're looking at a duplex, the self-sufficiency test doesn’t apply, so you’d just need to qualify based on your personal income and the rental income your lender allows.If your current lender isn’t familiar with making FHA work in your situation, it might be worth getting a second opinion from someone experienced with FHA multi-unit financing.

Private money and personal funds.

Any recommendations on Houston REI groups that meet in person or virtually?

Hello. I just put my house for rent but I’m not sure where to do background check and what exactly look for when doing them. Can you please share what you use it would be great. Thank you. 

@Jason Weidmannit's only solid if:1) you pick a market that you can go to in person and build a team first, and 2) you recognize that RE is a long-term investment, and you may have to wait 5-10 years, or longer, before seeing ANY return. 

Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

We would want to use it for personal use probably one per year.