It is possible to utilize low down payment loans and live in great neighborhoods in Chicago Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

As others say, out of state investing is challenging.

but keep in mind CA has higher taxes and reg fees and I’m not doing more than 1-2 flips (short timeframe flips)  a year and many years do 0 flipsDo most flippers put flips into LLC Or in personal name (sole proprietor)  in CA (where you must pay $800 yearly plus accounting and other fees $300to $600+ yearly to maintain LLC) Pros for personal name-save on taxes accounting.

That cost us 3k to fix Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

As others have mentioned, DSCR loans are generally for turnkey rentals (although outdated rentals may still qualify depending on the level of deferred maintenance). 

Any other ideas?

But I am open to other financing possibilities.

yes there are DSCR no ratio programs at higher interest rates 30 years fixed. so refi out of the bridge to that if 100% needed.. not recommended as i said unless no other option. get it rented.

Far different from buying and "maintaining" a property in hopes they market forces improve the value.It's the same as purchasing a stock after analyzing that market and charts.The other factor is inflation, the other thing we have no control over.

This is not a "slap them up" construction area like others I've seen.