I have had to truly suck up my principal which has been hard and one day I might but starting out you know that it is just survival mode so you can afford to grow more and ten years in be able to be more picky if choose to change routes. 

I'm looking to purchase a 2-4 unit in northern Illinois, the Freeport area seems to have tons of affordable inventory.

@Evan T.

Southern border of the land is Wilson Creek (a large, well established, full time creek with old growth trees)Approx 1 acre of non-recoverable flood zone along length of creekTwo small ponds on the property, which can be filled in to utilizeSmall neighborhood to East of property line with utilities ready and available for project Currently a couple of older homes and barn structures on property (100% liveable and well maintained)Wilmeth Rd is currently expanding down the block to a 4 lane road which connects to Highway 75 in McKinneyLarge developments are underway within a 1/2 mile to 3 miles out radius<4 miles to Costco, ChickFilA, WholeFoods, Cinemark, major hospitalAT&T Fiber and Atmos Gas at front of propertyA water well can be run, if desired, or tap into the city's water (currently on city water and has large main at front of property)A CE firm has drawn up plans for a small, 12 home, 3/4 acres development.

They likely do not have access to those easier sources of capital though because of their shady business history and practices.Good investors do not need your money or partnership. same s**t to syndicator as well, if they do lot of marketing, run away ..... chase syndicator that doesn't need new investor lol

They'll have to find a home they can afford, and then one that meets the guidelines (needs to be in good condition.) 

Quote from @Henry T.:  I used to even include a clip of the newspaper articles when a major levy was passed.   

You don't give any indication of what you can afford, so it's hard to give you much more advice than that.When asking for directions, it helps to know where you are at and what mode of transportation you are using (foot, bicycle, Ford F-350, Porsche 911, etc.), and where you want to end up.

The cost of living in here is more affordable compared to other major metro areas.

Been using them for year and they have improved ALOT and are still fairly affordable.