@Crystal Smith I like the idea of the home warrantee.  

I do wave the late fee the first time a tenant is late (but I make it crystal clear that this is a one time waiver)I discount my late fee by 50% if a tenant notifies me on or before the first and pays th 4th- 7th as agreed.

I know there's no crystal ball that can give us our answer, but I'm wondering whether or not it's worth buying my next home or first investment property here? 

Crystal, I truly appreciate the advise and guidance.

That said, if I had a crystal ball and knew that this condo would hold its value as it is now I would be fine renting it out for a few years and re-evaluating later of course.

I am a new investor and just got my first deal in Crystal Lake, IL.  

My reason on sharing is I am hoping you may find one nugget of info to help you out.For me it was getting crystal clear on my WHY.You know this already, but there is no easy button in this business.

Be as crystal clear as possible: "Hey LO Schmuckatelli at XYZ Mortgage, this conversation and processing my paperwork is a complete waste of your time if your firm has overlays pertaining to the number of financed properties owned.

Sorry for all of the questions, but I'm want everything to be crystal clear for me and structured the best way possible.

I was exceptionally not sleeping so I wrote back right away where to look (it's not a palace, they could have found).