You want a property that has the highest probability of maxing out on appreciation.Once done, you would want to explore the options below to maximize your rental income:- STR- MTR- Rent by RoomYou should go into this understanding YOU will live in the worst unit - in an illegal unit in the basement if you can!

I’ve done a couple of fix-and-flip projects in the past using a hard money lender (HML), which has its pros and cons.I’m currently looking at a couple more properties and trying to decide if I should go with an HML again or explore other financing options.

As a fellow Chicagoan, I understand your reasoning for exploring opportunities outside of Illinois.

My best understanding from talking to reps is they have one local employee (in addition to vendors like cleaners, landscapers...) per 10 listings/properties. 

My approach is conservative and focused on finding properties that meet specific criteria to ensure solid returns.If you’re interested in multifamily investing and would like to explore potential partnership opportunities, feel free to reach out!

Additionally, take some time to drive around your neighborhood and gather information on recently sold properties within a mile radius.

Additionally, the price point is still cheap enough to find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and there's amazing appreciation potential.

Does anyone know of a calculator where I can plug in the additional yearly pay down along with the appreciation rate of my area? 

Do you have a region in mind to buy in or are you just exploring the idea?

@Stacey OlsonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.