You usually can do these loans with NO points, you just need to work with a broker who has access to dozens of lenders as there are plenty of lenders that can provide these type of loans with No Points. 

Chicago has plenty of opportunities for value-add projects, and I'd be happy to share some insights or introduce you to a few local investors I've worked with.Feel free to reach out if you want to talk strategy or specific neighborhoods!

There are plenty of great renters aside from travel nurses looking to rent by the room and most will be outside of the healthcare field.To your questions:If the home will be furnished,  Furnished Finder will need to be amongst those that you use.Other top platforms: FB Marketplace, Zillow, Roomster, Airbnb, Nextdoor.  

There are plenty of deals in Philly on and off-market from wholesalers, who are pretty decent in Philly compared to other places.You will need to get your GC license here and learn the permitting process and necessity here as well.

There are plenty out there with fair rates and lower fees.

There are plenty of place cities could be created. 

Just trying to get started and although there is plenty of information out there, I thought the value was in getting the first deal with them and then learn how to replicate it.

Save...it takes a lot more money than most new investors believe (don't drink the Kool-aid that you can get in cheap) and residing outside the US will be seen as a substantial risk to most lenders which will limit your financing options. 

I can be wrong on this, although I have shopped around plenty. 

If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available . . .”A trusted lender will go over the various loan types with you, any down payment requirements on those, and down payment assistance programs you may qualify for.