The owner occupant rate is super low compared to many states but as a rental it goes up alot.  

@Brittney Yang surprisingly I have found that I can have glue down LVP installed by a local flooring company, we use Artisent Floors, https://artisentfloors.com/, for our local renovations and they are awesome and they can do it for less than what I can buy the product for at Lowes or HD even with my 10% military discount! 

You could have just caught the right breeze, or the low rates might have given you a spurt.

Purchase price: $325,000 Cash invested: $2,485 Sale price: $335,000 Low upfront cost due to creative financing.

Low to zero down on your first house. 

1M seems low and I'd like umbrella, but appears I'm unable to get it as far as I'm aware.

I am finding it difficult to find deals due to inaccurate rental projections with high prices and low supply.

The short version is that you want a strong and diverse job market, low unemployment rates, a growing population, low vacancy rates and new development, affordability/cost of living, real estate laws and court system, good schools, and low crime.Check out the videos from Dave Meyers with BiggerPockets.

Is there a pre existing loan with that bank with either of you?

I tried to do a cash out or heloc on this house but it couldn't be done because of the price it was low. the house is located in Rockford il, planning to buy in Rockford as well since I live here.