Developers have been on a building rampage for the last 5 years, so we've got brand new apartments sitting vacant and properties less than 50% full in many areas of town. 

This is ideal if you have a full-time job or don’t want to deal with day-to-day landlord tasks.✅ 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!

Try finding a lender that has a consultative approach and will walk through your first deal with you and really paint the full picture so you know exactly what you need.

If not, you may have to qualify with the full mortgage payment against your debt to income ratio, including the new home that you are looking to purchase.From a tax standpoint, you may want to speak with @Natalie Kolodij. 

A bit about my situation and motivation for getting into real estate investing...I have a full-time, high paying W2 job as a specialist physician that I generally enjoy but would like to  be able to supplement my income over the next 8-10 years if/when payments decline in medicine.

In short, I can afford the additional $1100/mo cost of a second house, even until I rent it out.I have around $35K in HYSA and emergency funds that I could use for a down payment, but that's less than 20% which would be required for a conventional loan, assuming full purchase price.

She then responds, " I would like the full refund.

Deposits will not be returned (full or partial) until all tenants move out.If Tenant A didn’t come to you to get part of the deposit back they may have gone to tenant B, but they most likely walked away from it and I feel it is between tenant A and B to sort it out.Personally I would return it to tenant B, the active tenant in the current active contract.

A well-structured deal with a clear exit strategy can be just as valuable as a full rehab.

My 2 policies earn 4-6%, I have full control of my cash, uninterrupted growth even when I'm using my money, creditor protected here in Texas and in most states, Tax free growth and I have a massive death benefit and long term care attached to it.