I am also interested in areas around Chicago, which is where my wife's job has their global headquarters, and because my accountability buddy @Marshall Shen is based there, so I learn about the market from him!

In my area, RE Global is the asset manager and they are a lot less flexible than Sage, the previous asset manager was.

They also calculate global borrower financials, so your DTI does matter (albeit it's offset a little by the asset your purchasing), but still their underwriting is much more rigorous.

They put you through the ringer for a simple rental property (DTI, global cashflow, tax returns, paystubs etc etc.)

Also, keep in the mind the global issues we are facing.

Extra Space Storage (EXR), Public Storage (PSA), Cube Smart (CUBE), Uhaul (UHAL), Life Storage (LSI), Global Self Storage (SELF), National Storage Affiliates (NSA), Iron Mountain (IRM), Big Yellow (BYLOF - this one is traded in the U.K.), StorageVault Canada (SVAUF - this one traded in Canada)  

I don't see the IRS being interested in following your money trail to see where you spent your own money during a global pandemic.

& 2) the market is currently unstable amidst the global pandemic.

Right now, according to worldometer, there are over 7,941,149 coronavirus cases globally and more than 433,000 deaths.

My personal belief is that as a society globally, and especially in America, we’re very resilient, and we have thankfully, a very short memory (in a good way).