The northland MAREI meeting and the main monthly meeting at MAREI have a minimal fee, or for $99 a year you can attend all of them for no extra charge - northland is in person, the main meeting is still online, both are great ways to connect and learn. 

I personally think being a landlord in Chicago is easy and I have never had an eviction. 

You are going to send your wife to personally unclog that toilet.

Networking is the key to growth...I am always down for coffee if you want to connect in person. 

I personally will try to avoid buying a home under 1000 square feet again.

These loans are based on a property’s rental income rather than your personal income, making it easier to qualify as you expand your portfolio.Networking and Mentorship:You’re already off to a great start by reaching out here!

A couple strategies that could make sense for a younger person without experience could be a live-in flip or a house hack.

I have a situation where a person I know is moving out of the country and would be looking to put their home for sale in the summer.

Just my personal opinion - get a mentor or a person who already has good experience running STR business, preferably in your area (but not 100% required). 

Raising your credit score will get you far better rates personally as well as with private lenders for your LLC.