@Daisy RuizTo echo @Michael Baum, I have not seen or heard from many people operating STRs in Chicago.

I second what @Michael Baum says, granite is pretty cheap now, prices have come way down. 

Quote from @Michael Baum: Bumblenard....pretty sweet.... 

Quote from @Michael Baum: If you don't want to deal with guests in what is a customer service oriented business, then that means it is time to get out.Absolutely incredible how many people seem to get blindsided by this when going into STR's. 

Quote from @Michael Baum: TLDR: @Julio Gonzalez.

Quote from @Kevan Baum: Quote from @Ryan F.: Hello Newbie here with my first post.My wife and I thinking of purchasing our first investment property with the plan to get a retirement income in 15 yrs from now. 

Quote from @Michael Baum: The simple fact that the foundation was incorrectly done, that leads me to suspect that there are many multitudes of issues within.

I agree with Michael Baum: read all the suggestions here: great info.The general theme is, whether it's your cleaner, your handyman or a responsible neighbor, you need willing and able "boots on the ground", eyes on the property and someone local with both common sense and authority to act on your behalf and/or your instructions.My 2 cents,Mike

Thanks @John Underwood and thank you for the input @Andrew Steffens, @Michael Baum and @Garrett Brown.We will definitely look into these others.  

Quote from @Michael Baum: Hey @Mindy Nicol, yeah the others hit the nail on the head.FB marketplace is a big crazy place with TONS of looky loo's.