Any advice helps. 

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.Here is my generic beginner advice.1.

Be very careful who you take advice from online, you should get involved with a local attorney and a local realtor.

You have received a lot of advice here already. 

Would a property with 4 bed or 5 bedroom would have a better cash flow ? 
For rentals, would a single floor or two floors makes sense? 
Thanks
Balu

Readers should seek professional advice.

I’m exploring the idea of turning it into a furnished long-term rental to hold onto it, generate income, and possibly return to STR when things settle down.However, I’m new to the furnished LTR space and would love advice!

Hey Hey @Veronica Mitchell - The most simple advice is to follow the CTA trainlines.I personally love the South East Corridor of Chicago which has Bronzesville, Kenwood, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore.That area will continue to be gentrified because you have the lakefront and CTA trains.Others mentioned NW along the Blue and West along the Pink, Green, and Blue lines.

Readers should seek professional advice.

You want an accountant who can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the consequences of the financial decisions you are making throughout the year.Good luck.