My main concern is guests setting it to low and running it throughout the day.

Apparently, the two parties had a conversation before work even started after concern was expressed by the tenant.

I am concerned that the lack of NML licensing/certification is certainly apparent in the emails and the website is a red-light. 

Last and most importantly, 99.9% of BP posters who are concerned with asset protection and/or believe anonymity will somehow protect them can’t even articulate what they are protecting against and that’s what leads to unnecessary time and expense spent on flawed asset protection practices. 

I truly appreciate your concern and the advice to start with a property requiring cosmetic work.

The MLS of Illinois is not comprehensive as far as NWI is concerned. 

For my first property, the appraisal came in $25,000 lower than expected, which initially concerned me.

Also, if I am self managing, can I log 16-24 hours per day if I am doing things like monitoring security cameras throughout the day, receiving and delivering renter's mail, responding to whatever needs/concerns renters may have, etc., and if I am available to my renters after hours / through the night?

The market volatility and insurance concerns, while significant, are unlikely to render the entire state uninhabitable, suggesting that these issues will eventually stabilize.

If you were renting it short-term and had different guests coming and going every few days, then long-term renters may be concerned.