I have to remember to install the metal brackets or pan ($10-25) to the studs to make sure it doesn’t vibrate itself off the wall.

Chicago taxes are no joke, glad you are able to take advantage of the lower taxes in Will county.Would love to hear how this deal pans out....you got to make it happen!

I doubt Community College will teach you anything you will ever use to make money in this business.If it did, the teachers would all be driving Rolls Royce's and living in multi-million dollar mansions--they are not.If you want to learn about SFH's (the bones and the guts of them) vs being a hammer swinger putting up framing (which you don't need to go to college to do)...study to be a home inspector at someplace like the InterNachi... https://www.nachi.org/become-home-inspector.htmOnce you earn the badges you will know your stuff about SFH inspections.But still that's a big commitment and it's not needed to make money in this business...you can hire Home Inspectors, just like you can hire tax pros, bookkeeping, and etc...If you want to learn how to "put in cabinets", "replace a toilet", "shingle a roof", add a dormer, etc...you can learn on YouTube fast and easy.If you want to learn how to frame, get a job 9 to 5 with a framing contractor, and get ready to WORK HARD.Here is a 582 page picture book of how to build a house: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Visual-Guide-Building-House/dp/1600850227Sit down next to a Keurig Machine with a book like this and your favorite mug and learn at your own pace.  

Not to mention, not sure what I would do with my roommate if things didn't pan out.

Just like there should be bulbs in the lights and seat covers on the toilets.

Maybe there's something we are missing here.After account for his 8% closing cost and APR it does not pan out.

When we turn the property over here are a few things we look for:Proper gutters, splash blocks and downspouts.Tree and/or tree limb removal away from the house and off the roof.Conduct an HVAC assessment.Re-caulk any wet areas as necessary (toilet, shower, countertops, etc)Remove garbage disposals.

Call around and see what a basic service call costs for a variety of common issues: clogged toilet or sewer line, furnace or water heater pilot won't stay lit, garbage disposal is leaking, refrigerator isn't staying cold, etc.

If your tile guy doesnt know how to build and waterproof the pan you are screwed.

I was able to get rid of some beat up pots and pans and they helped me clean out the frig and gladly took all the no name hotdogs, luncheon meats and something that might have passed for margaine.