This approach allows you to access funds as needed, potentially covering the purchase of a slightly distressed property within your price range.

They are all filed in the various counties and easily accessible as they are public records. 

It sounds more like the applicant purchases the credit report and gives access through the credit agency to the landlords who have to accept it if it is less than 30 days old.

Oh I see @Jay Hinrichs the old stuff seems harder to access not sure sorry not to read your whole question. i have wondered that about the older ones too, they were better more realistic.

I would think about this in terms of A) prices to access the market and B) overall market growth. 

Things like accessibility, entertainment, lifestyle, surrounding road/property conditions make the southern part of the island low on my list.

Can you work with a real estate agent licensed in Illinois to access properties in Northwest Indiana? 

If you have access to VA/DoD eBenefits you can get a certificate of eligibility (COE) to help you figure out how much purchase power you have left on your VA Home Benefit.

It would be awesome if you posted this to our fileplace for easy access for our users!

any private lenders that advertises for business is a HARD MONEY LENDER ..