So even though I lost a deal and commission I won loyalty and a client for life and became very valued as an agent and very successful by getting the money that was deserved and obviously, rightfully, morally and legally due to her.  

Off market deals usually have nonrefundable deposits and a clunkier process that isn't as suited for out of state people until they have good contacts in the area to evaluate the property (mostly contractors that feel comfortable evaluating projects for you).

I've done and been a part of many Chicago zoning changes...they take a very long time and a lot of upfront money...unless you are planning to add multiple units and do a full renovation, the ROI is probably not there.

Go straight into focusing on creative finance, subject to, and minimal cash down deals and build from there.I want to hear your thoughts on what direction to take here if you were in my shoes given these constraints (full time job and a few thousand saved) and you want to optimize for passive income first, then value appreciation?

I think you'll find a ton of useful content and a supportive community here!

8%-11% is pretty standard here and as someone mentioned it really just depends on how the company is run.

Thanks for coming out and joining us - we have some new events and workshops and training that we will be adding shortly - look for a couple of virtual workshops a month and a get started training program to be implemented before the end of the year. 

I've worn three hats in the seller financing world (as a property buyer, as a property seller offering terms, and as an investor that buys seller financed note). 

It seems like you have some very solid goals of multiple income streams, and a well calibrated risk tolerance. 

I picked a mentor and a team to follow and the rest worked out