Work with a CPA to optimize your tax returns to reflect sufficient income for future loan approvals.

Even little things like where I live, renters pay property tax.

Here is a detailed look into this issue:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51-tax-legal-issues-con...

Renting the garage brings income and partial tax deductions for expenses but adds complexity.

Detroit can be tricky to analyze, and some deals that look good on paper might have hidden pitfalls (taxes, rehab surprises, etc.).

Drivable to the Bay Area, much lower property taxes (that DON'T reassess on the sale), much friendlier tenant/landlord laws, strong population and job growth, strong appreciation, and also anchored by the tourism and wealth of Lake Tahoe. 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

Additionally the suburbs have higher taxes compared to Chicago proper.  

They are going to look at tax returns, they aren't so much looking at it month to month basis.

Is it to build up assets, is it to make additional income, is it to reduce your monthly housing spend and save more money, is it tax breaks/benefits?