If I rent out the last unused bedroom, I will cut my out of pocket expenses down even more (which was my goal when buying this house to stop renting) and I would end up only paying for utilities and a few hundred bucks of the mortgage.The reason I haven't rented it out yet though is that I'm concerned it'll force one of the tenants to want to move out due to having to share a bathroom with one more adult.

Do not cut any corners or try anything fancy until you gain some experience. 

And services have been cut to the bone.At some point we likely see bankruptcy (as predicted by the bonds), but even if we dont, its fair to say Illinois is not a growth state, and that costs for fees, and property taxes are likely headed up.So declining population, radical tenant friendly laws and high government costs all point to me as a place I would not want to invest.

Their voucher was re assessed with his current income and was reduced in half and will probably be cut completely in the future.

Regardless of what the service member or chain of command says, it's probably best to cut your losses, because it's bound to happen again. 

I do it on a tablet when I'm mobile, or at my PC when looking.Do not get caught up in hacks cutting corners.

Do these small often unspoken of markets that live in the shadows of Major Metros serve as a place for newbies to cut there teeth in the world of real estate or should they run the other way.Small city, no growth, good cash flow?

Cut up and throw away all credit cards.

But I am curious how long you were at it before you closed your first deal.1 month but the RE agent was a long time friend who cut me a deal. 

This is generally the area which is bordered to the north by 295, the east by Ramsey St, to the west by 210, and BUS 401 to the south. 210 and Ramsey sort of form a “V” shape to the south and Country Club Dr. cuts through the middle (W to E).I have recently found several homes in this area which meet my criteria but they move quickly and I have not been able to get one of them as of yet.