The market is hot right now so I would try to schedule an appointment asap to go see it.

Upside - we can self manage, we get a fancy new kitchen, build great equity since Brooklyn is such a hot market.  

Your inspector will look for structural integrity issues, life safety issues/fire hazards and inspect your MEP Systems to make sure Electrical panel, wiring, piping, hot water heater & HVAC systems are acceptable/good working condition.Roof/Crawlspace/Attic InspectionsIf you are afraid of heights and don't want to get on the roof, crawl around in a dirty creepy crawl space or climb around in a haunted attic, an inspector can inspect these areas.  

This market is hot so I need to "lock up" the deal, if it still works.

Natural gas installed for heating and hot water.

In general, the entire country is hot- the RE market is doing well and unemployment is virtually at 0%, so in relative terms, Chicago shouldn't be that much different than the rest of the country.

-all the plumbing for the bathroom was redone this weekend,  plus the hot water heater.   

She hopes to scare you into paying so she won't have to.I would take my chances that she's just blowing hot air.

Welcome @Isaac Morris.First of all tell us why you are not making money in Sydney NSW Real Estate, which was as hot a few years ago as the hottest market here in the USA ie California/Bay Area.Did you have insight on the  situation in Sydney so we don't make the same mistakes here?

Like someone else said, you'll be doing your family an injustice and could get them in serious hot water if you make any mistakes..