I probably shouldn't engage but this really wasn't the type of response I expected from this group.

this is a nearly full gut, floors stay, everything else goes. moving walls, new mechanicals, etc. also I guess I know now to draw up rehab plans before engaging contractors.

If you engage with the zoning department on your own you might want to be a bit vague so that you don't pin yourself into a corner.

Since then I got engaged, moved in with my fiancee, and looking for that next deal to keep on with my buy-and-hold goals.Thank you all for contributing as much as you do!

Generally, I think they take better care of my property because they know I own it and am engaged about managing the relationship. 

that's where you want to go hunting.I'm not a lawyer, but a financially sophisticated woman will understand that an engagement ring worth less than $14,000 probably avoids any question over whether the ring is subject to the gift tax.

Our goal is to be financially free within 3 - 5 years, allowing us to work on this endeavor full time.I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the site as it has been an amazing help and I look forward to staying engaged on the forums to pay that back as best I can starting with this way too past due introduction.My wife and I are focusing on buy and hold rentals and flips in the Chicagoland / Central Illinois areas. 

This way you and your bookkeeper can define the scope of your engagement, you don’t get surprised by any extra “hours worked”, and you have more control over your bookkeeping costs.Everyone has different pricing for this.

In the meantime I look forward to engaging on the forums and participating in local meetups!

I would absolutely engage a property manager.