For instance, one property seems to have an extra bathroom that is not listed in the county records.I plan to make some modifications, including removing a closet wall to expand a bathroom and taking out a kitchen island that contains electrical outlets and a switch.

I have never had any tenant object to paying an extra $35 per month to have the softener, that is about what they cost to rent from softener companies.

Unfortunately, it was on the Monday after our vacation ended and I couldn't get the extra day off.Anyone have experience with Sheriff's sales? 

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: So that's 7 months......now investors will have to add a bit into their flip budget to cover the extra 3 months (or so) holding costs... will make overall costs go up though... 

Most free sources like realtor.com, zillow.com pull data from county/public tax records. 

Does anyone else recommend an alternative that is better priced, but equally as data heavy? 

According to the data, I would skip Chicago for STR and go to Peoria or Antioch.

This way the investor has a quality property where all the payment is going to the mortgage so equity builds up fast and they can take the re-advanced funds and WAIT for the right opportunity for extra yield plays. 

They will promise upgraded furniture or extras to keep your money. 

We've been to 38 of the big 63 National Parks; both Hot Springs and Broken Bow, which kind of cater to that same crowd, ever seemed appealing enough to visit.It doesn't mean that they are bad places to invest, but the anecdote needs to corroborate the data for me to want to cut a check and stress out for several months hoping it will work.