Also, if I had no desire to at least take time to  see it, Id make life simple and invest in a CD or high yield fund. 

The idea is to ensure every dollar you earn has a job to help you stay within your budget.YNAB can connect to your bank and other financial accounts, and your information is automatically imported, which helps you determine your net worth.

If a place is affordable now and desirable to live in it won't be affordable for long!

Those are more realistic table setters for you to begin your journey if you couple that with podcasts and in-person meetups so you can learn from real investors and their journeys.To invest, you will always need to be earning more money so you don't want to start your journey thinking you can do it with no money.

Keep growing and sharing your story, in no time you will attract clients if you so desire and grow a lucrative REI agent business.  

Not sure why tax rate matters when net passive earnings is the more important figure.

Note: These are suburban buildings but in highly desirable towns with close proximity to downtown Chicago.

I have a 2.625% interest rate and the home is in a desirable, established neighborhood in the city and just a few minute walk to the University of Pacific. 

The social engineers (lawmakers and their special interest handlers) stifle and discourage growth, individual liberty, and confiscate property (your hard earned income), they are absolutely crazy.

This creates two loan payments ($100,000 of equity and $300,000 on the new mortgage).Key NumbersHome Equity Loan Interest Rate: 6%Mortgage Interest Rate: 7%Rental Income: $3,000 per monthExpenses (management, taxes, insurance, maintenance): $800 per monthIncome and ExpensesMonthly Rental Income: $3,000Monthly Expenses: $800Monthly Mortgage Payment: $2,000ExplanationThe investor earns $3,000 in rent each month.They pay $2,000 on the investment property mortgage and $800 on other expenses.This leaves $200 profit each month or $2,400 per year.However, you have to pay $6,000 interest on the equity borrowed.This leaves you with an annual loss of $3,600.This example shows that while the rental property generates positive monthly income, the interest cost of borrowing the initial $100,000 results in an overall annual loss.