Hey Anthony,Managing payoffs and broker commissions while staying on top of cash flow can definitely feel overwhelming.

If you are not well capitalized, meaning you can not pay off the loan if called, stay away from sub to.  

I do intend to stay close to home - but home provides only annual opportunities and I’m looking for year round possibilities with tax deed properties. 

He likely needs to stay where he is, save up money for a downpayment on his own, and buy when HE is ready.He's not ready. 

I know you want to go full time and jump in, but I'd recommend staying with your day job as long as you can - it makes your life a lot more comfortable to have a steady stream of income to pay the bills every month!

Stay hyper local.As for investing in Illinois: Get your head examined.

It seems you and your husband have the ability to make a property more desirable and I would try to stay local for the same reasons you listed. 

They sell you a package to enter and then find you people to stay and never paid you back!

Stay for the forums, avoid the Bigger Pockets upsells and you will be golden.

I have been told to stay away from lease options in Texas.