-> Where to find people (architects, surveyors, etc): it’s hard to find people who operate on a national level, except for the main real estate agents.

@Jacob DaltonIt seems you have a high level of concern when it comes to investing in Cook County.

It does not appear that many newbies (or experienced) investors are buying much (transaction levels are at record lows). 

The "big" firms like AA may get a lot of hype but they generally can't compete on the next level tax strategies (Family office type strategies) nor customer service as their employee turnover is quite high.  

While rates may not decrease, the significant double-digit increases should level off.

The price to rent ratio one can get in the Section 8 space in Detroit is next level. 

Place these footings strategically after you have jacked the house up to proper level.

Since you're analytic savvy, run some high level amortization schedule scenarios to see how much equity you gain through annual principal payments.

Yes, about 82% of properties are matched to a person in DealMachine - you get their phone, email, age, birthday, income level, renting OR owning.

I learned that with an A-Class tenant expectations are higher and had to step up my level of service.