I am looking to network and build a strong business relationship with a local real estate agent.

Quote from @Andrew Betts: Hi Michael - We own and manage homes in Solara, I can recommend it for a strong ROI, and there is full access to the clubhouse, and better quality food and drinks there, than at other resorts. 

While many out-of-state investors may purchase properties without an in-person visit, first-time buyers or those new to real estate are strongly advised to conduct a site visit.

Here are a few additional strategies that might help mitigate risk if you decide to rent the property:Hire a Strong Property Management Company: While you’ve already spoken with some PMs, consider finding one with extensive experience managing single-family rentals in Cook County specifically.

If you have any tips, resources, or advice for someone just starting out, I’d greatly appreciate your insights.Some specific things I’m working on right now:* Building a strong buyers list.* Identifying motivated sellers and honing my outreach.* Learning the ins and outs of structuring win-win deals.I’m open to partnering, collaborating, or just grabbing coffee to exchange ideas.

While the prices of home are low, rent yield is still strong making you feel more confident in achieving those cash flowing goals. 

Basically could say im a street kid who abandoned all the ******** and people from that life two decades ago and I desired more and achieved it both in monetary and goodness.

By building strong connections and sharing knowledge, we can support each other's journeys and uncover new pathways to success.Moreover, let's not forget the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

There are a lot of markets with solid job markets, strong populations, solid rent growth, but when you are talking ONE property, unless you are considering highly rural areas, it likely doesn't matter.  

@Timothy Frazier Yes, the only reason to use HML as a down payment is if the property is "mostly turnkey" AND you don't have the funds to renovate AND you have strong CMA comps from a real estate agent that supports that the fact that you are buying a property that is under valued AND your renovations would push that so that you could refinance.