I am however stuck on a geographical element of my property search process. 

@Steven Hamilton II , thanks for your explanations.

Expanded geographically to increase their chances of getting deals.2.

Again - it all hinges on what the seller's needs are, and how motivated they are to sell.This whole "seller financing" subject can go pretty deep, and down many different tangents, but let me know if you need more explanation or ideas on how to make it work.

@j scott great explanation.

I don't know about Andover, MN though.This is a simplified explanation, a more experienced member will no doubt be able to expand upon it.Andrew

I am told that even though these 2 are under the same ownership that one or the other is stronger in certain geographical areas.Do you know which is stronger in Chicago market?

Bill - Thanks for your great explanations, and suggestions.

If you are looking in a specific geographic area, find a buyer's agent that works in that area.

You have to be able to look at a property and mentally calculate how much you will be able to get in rent.I'm not an expert by any means, but I focus in a very narrow geographic area and have a pretty good feel for property values and rents.