Curtis Cook Flipping is unequivocally more risky than long-term investments.

Below are some links to help you get started.Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead the Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out the BP Podcast and start learning the lingo while you drive, cook, exercise, etc.: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/Going to @Anson Young's Denver meetup on the 27th is also a must if you can make it.Good luck and hope to see you around the site!

Evergreen Park is in COOK County.

If their cooking I might grab a bite to eat as well.  

You didn't give any addresses, but if you're talking about properties in your county (Cook County), you can go to this link and see exactly what the property taxes are for any given property: http://www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com/Pages/PIN-Search.aspxI searched a few houses and the property taxes are nowhere near as high as Zillow is apparently telling you they are. 

It is specifically for heat and hot water (tenants are responsible for their own cooking gas).

If you'd like to someday be the owner of your company instead of chief cook and bottle washer, eventually you will have to hire someone to perform these functions so the sooner you track them as cost items the better.

Sanding is a must, kitchen cabinets tend to get a thin coating of film on them from cooking.

The only major change would be removing a wall oven and replacing with cabinets, and putting a oven range where there is currently a cook-top in the counter top. 

If people will cook in your place don't skimp on what you have in the kitchen, get kitchen extras in consignment stores. a couple of cutting boards, trays etc, they are cheap and will be appreciated.