As for the move-in fee versus security deposit issue, many landlords prefer security deposits for better protection, despite the extra steps required in Illinois.

Those might make good rentals...but also there can be extra costs...see if they are in PIDs/PUDs or MUDs that add significant cost to the monthly payment...maybe $100-$200 extra a month.Also $2500 sounds high on rent to me for 1800sqft....I would think more like around $2000/month, but haven't looked in that area lately.I do like Forney....one issue is I don't think there are good demand drivers there. 

But, I talk to folks often looking to invest in Texas thinking it is a low tax state and are shocked by the property taxes.

My rental has a lot of extra space outside around the house to consider doing a ADU build and create additional rental income.  

Otherwise, look at side jobs you can do to earn extra money. 

As an extra level of protection You could try and save up a few months of what the potential mortgage will be to give you peace of mind. 

This works well for wholesalers who sell deals to flippers, and flippers or investors can benefit even more by going the extra mile to generate their own off-market leads.

Later, I received an email from VRBO stating that they could not lift the restrictions if we could not prove a disaster and that the cabins had actually flooded.These folks are out of control.

You will find many many resources here and a community of like minded folks willing to help you out in just about any way you can think of.I am on the lending side of things and am a broker. 

So I’d love some contacts if folks are willing to share as I’d love to expand my portfolio in Cleveland.