Hi Steven,It sounds like you and your wife, Renee, have a wealth of experience in the real estate and construction fields, which is a great foundation for starting your real estate investing business.Given your background in residential remodeling and home inspections, and Renee's experience as a real estate agent, you're off to a strong start.

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

I found the house on Zillow and ended up going through an agent.

If/when a taxpayer's agent (which is what Apartments.com is) receives funds, that is considered to be constructive receipt to the taxpayer. 

Use an agent to help you get qualified tenants and documentation in order.

Also, your profile says that you're a real estate agent in Canada.

If you need any connections to contractors, agents, or property managers, let me know—I’d be happy to help.

We'd love any introductions and support from other investors, agents, lenders, or contractors in the area.Thanks,Mike

Managing from afar can be done on single family homes with a few properties, but you'll still need a solid leasing agent and handyman which can sometimes be hard to find. 

Within my 20 years of experience, Theodore, it's great to see proactive agents like yourself getting out there!