Be focused more on systems; i.e, are we saving enough money to invest by not indulging in other areas and prioritizing the right specific things, is the cost of this pursuit worth what you're sacrificing, if we keep $X set aside everything else above $X should be invested here in the short-term and this in the long-term.

Rent control laws are market specific.

Some of my clients in this scenario literally just pick-up the phone, tell the seller of their specific property they are interested and they are well qualified, and see if there is some kind of fit. 

Instead of tying up your retirement funds, tapping into financing specifically designed for real estate investors can keep your portfolio diversified and your retirement intact.Leveraging your 401(k) is your personal decision, but framing it within the broader context of balancing risk, liquidity, and opportunity cost can clarify whether it’s the best tool for your goals.

It's a banking and bookkeeping platform built specifically for real estate investors.

The midwest and specifically Chicago has always been slow and steady - thank you for giving us a shout out @Scott Trench!

There are a couple of things that I would think about here, the timeframe you want to work with this agent (can be 1 month or 2 months or a longer time), whether you could do it for a specific area/city/town, or you could do it for a couple of properties you see.

First start with a scope of work outlining in specific detail everything from work hours, who provides dumpsters and what is getting done room by room.

Are there specific metrics or tools you rely on?

Do sunshine and beaches matter more, or a strong job market in your specific field?