.✅ Professional Tenant Screening – Property managers have systems in place to screen applicants thoroughly, reducing the risk of bad tenants.✅ Knowledge of Chicago Rental Laws – A good property manager stays up to date on local laws, helping you avoid costly legal mistakes.✅ Maintenance & Repairs Handled – No more emergency calls at 2 AM about a broken water heater!

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

That would probably require a professional. 

Having reasonable expectations, hiring a local professional (Realtor or PM), doing your research, and doing everything right (i.e. pro photos, professional design, good renovation, proper amenities and location, etc) are the keys to success in 2025.

I avoid investing in rough neighborhoods because I am a professional.

Even when talking with some real estate professionals who would seem to have an incentive to help me with renting out my property, I have been met with serious warnings (they pretty much say don't do it).

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Anthony Klemm, cost is just one component.  

The final straw was just last week when tenant randomly attacked my competency in my professional career.

Were the installers skilled and professional?