—and prioritize applicants who meet the criteria but also have a solid, reliable rental history.

Prioritize your financial stability.

Prioritize renovations that add value and create a timeline for the project.

I'd say everything else is the consequence of the 2 points above - the weather and the state of economic affairs influences everything else, including safety, infrastructure, the condition of housing stock, etc.

With that in mind, I’ve decided to focus first on finding a distressed SFH that I can add value to, live in for a few years, and keep as part of my long-term portfolio.I like your suggestion about building the “core 4” team—agent, lender, contractor, and property manager—and will definitely prioritize that as I move forward.

Prioritize your financial stability.

Prioritize your financial stability.

Tenant screening, especially here in Chicago, is one of the most important things you have to prioritize learning - learning it the hard way is the fastest, but not always the most cost-effective (I know from experience haha)If you still need a solid eviction attorney, please let me know! 

Here are ways to prioritize tenant relationships:1.Prompt Response to Requests: Acknowledge maintenance requests immediately, even if resolution takes time.

If you want safety, pay off the property.