I’ve been in this space for a long time, coaching and investing, and I love helping people get started.

I’d recommend listening to the straight up Chicago investor podcast for local information, going to the variety of meetups that are in this great city, and meeting a lot of the people posting here. 

They may not be able to use financing contingencies and may have to show proof of funds equal to the acquisition price but the money that hits the sellers bank account is the same whether its "cash" or a financed transaction. 

After a few too many midnight leak repairs, she wanted to offload it but didn’t want a big tax hit.

It is so important to vet the people you work with.

For most people, they would be better off investing in a syndication or even a REIT. 

I would also join a bunch of Investor groups via facebook and try to connect with as many people as you can. 

. , I didn't want it to loose that tenant so simply i helped him to get " energy assistance" this is a program to help people out if they can't afford heating bills , I don't know if it is in your state so you my want to check this out.

I’ve tried tru people search when I was D4D last week, and didn’t find a valid number out of the 20 houses I found 

Colder climates see fewer moves in the winter, and things really slow down around Thanksgiving and Christmas when people are busy with the holidays and family.Second, talk to your PM.