I do most of this part in my day job. 

Better job hiring contractor.

Occasionally, I will get an objection from an off-market homeowner that "might" sell saying...

And are potential guests interested in staying at a STR in a basement that can have occasional squeaky floors from time to time?

My wife and I both have full time jobs, take care of our 2 boys and I have spent almost every day off for the last 8 mo working on this house.

Nice job acquiring the first deal.

You will require many properties to completely replace your income, which could become a new full-time job to manage.

Look into factors like vacancy rates, local job growth, and tenant demand to pinpoint promising markets.Once you find a property, work on running the numbers carefully—factor in purchase price, rehab costs (if applicable), property management fees, and reserves.

Considering some SFR properties in Cahokia / Cahokia Heights, Illinois and looking for some recommendations on inpsectors in this area that do a good job looking at multiple properties

That is why most of them just let us do our jobs.