They have legacy issues and until they break those chains and turn their lives around they will continue to have high drama lives and live hard in those units.

She says is just two hours worth of work but I tend to disagree after looking at the existing trim in the house, all the trim from the floor to the ceiling needs an overhaul to look new again.In the five years they lived in the home the owners replaced or renovated the following:AC, dishwasher, windows (double paned with blinds in between panes, can open to reach the blinds), flooring (throughout was very nice but I'd replace the peel-n-stick with laminate so it would be laminate throughout), sheetrock, texture, and paint throughout, ceiling fans and light fixtures throughout, sinks in both bathrooms, chain link fence dog run added, and a storage shed.Other positives:  I talked to neighbors and they are very happy living there, there is a beautiful and big rec center, gym, kids playground, monthly potlucks, people wave to each other as they drive by, there's a craft group that meets, etc. 

I'd imagine the key investing metrics (cashflow, cost per unit, GRM, etc.) have increased in areas such as Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, etc., but I think there are desirable parts of the city to still find deals.

It's a real estate pep rally and they definitely push their own product hard, but I wouldn't call it a scam - no more than I would call P90X or a membership to Gold's Gym a scam. 

I know that good financial people are worth their weight in gold, so I am not afraid of paying someone. 

I'd just call up the local rep at your nearest national chain.

Not schemy, demanding, critical, or preachy.The responses are pure gold. 

For example a national corporate tenant such as a bank, drug store or fast food chain on an absolute NNN lease.

Someone that can review your (chain of ) title for defects?

It is a gold mine if you are persistent.