The owner is okay with me contacting the mortgage company and getting authorized to get their loan information so that I can make the purchase happen. 

But I think what really makes the difference is having someone local who has the contacts and insight to not only find you a property but also make sure you're lined up with the right team: lenders, contractors, even local property managers.

we have a lender who can do the smaller amounts if you need one contact me

Just sent you their contact info.

Do I need to contact the city of Chicago to have the water shut off or is this something I can do myself? 

I would recommend you contact a Realtor to facilitate the deal.

Create columns for Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip and then contact info: Last Contact, Relationship, Status, Email & Phone.IMPORTANT: do NOT ask people for THEIR business, ask for referrals!

@Pat Lulewicz I've though about contacting the news channel that currently has story published about him and his business, though I'm hesitant to do so as it probably opens me up to some liability.

If you are in DFW, I would contact him via Instagram. 

Wells Fargo was the first bank I contacted.