One has to have a strong bs detector in this business, I think. 

Get a good idea of where you want to start, gun for it, work through the motions and ask for help along the way.

However be aware these types of people usually file motions and to continue to exploit legal loop holes, in order to stay in the property longer, so take no prisoners. 

At least until the tenant is out.But if you have nothing better to do and want to go through the motions of a wholesale.  

You'll likely need to file a motion for relief to lift the automatic stay.

I also researched that I might be able to file a motion with the court asking for "use and occupation" for the tenant to pay rents while the case is going on... but not sure if this is applicable for IL cook county and how likely will we get the rents...Can you provide me advice on how to proceed? 

My one struggle is that after watching plenty of videos reading the books and doing research, I feel like I don't know where to focus my new knowledge, and how to get that first deal in motion.

I did have to have the contractor pull a permit and they took care of the plumbing and the gas connection and had to install a detector (smoke?

The inaccessible smoke detector had been moved.

That way future leaks won't be so hard to detect or fix, plus a small leak won't lead to a bunch of mold before you notice it.