However, if you're tackling rental properties, it's best advised just to connect and work with a reliable and resourceful contractor who will shoot you straight. 

Here's my free resource; https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qCD_XIgmg-2BGGzsDbWq...

There are a lot of great resources here and around the web for people looking to invest in Birmingham.

New to the app & doing some research, I found this app might be a good resource.  

I'm curious to connect with any other STR/ MTR owners in that area to get more info on resources that are in the area and what challenges/ successes you have had there. 

@Jennie Berger gave you the whole kit & caboodle on Chicago zoning so I don't have a ton to ad, however, I'd highly encourage you to engage an architect like @Samuel Pavlovcik or @Prashanth Mahakali, both are awesome local Chicago resources.

What tools and resources are provided?

I.e. if I had allocated Thursday 9-12pm to you, I have 1-2 other Flex Time cleaning jobs I can do instead. 

I've been informed that completing the course alone may not be sufficient to pass the exam, so I’m seeking advice on how to prepare effectively once I complete it.Currently, my only other resources include a YouTube video, five practice exams, and a textbook.If you have any additional suggestions—whether online or in-person, paid or free—that could help me effectively prepare for the exam, I would greatly appreciate them.

No maintenance/cap ex, vacancy, PM, book keeping, asset protection, miscellaneous, etc.his actual cash flow when properly allocating for sustained expenses is a fraction of his advertised cash flow.