If you're starting with this model, it can be highly beneficial as it allows you to gain first-hand experience with the daily operations, actions that must be taken, requirements, market demands, and more.

Why on gods green earth if you can save on commission, gain experience, meet investors and manage your own properties would you want to invest in a market outside of where you are?

Hey, if you get married you'll be able to shield an extra $250k in capital gains!!

These companies, run by Kevin Bupp, Brian Spears, and Joanna Bupp, and how they buy up "mom & pop" mobile home parks, jack the rents up immediately to gain the most profit in the shortest amount of time with no care of the low income, fixed income, and elderly that were living in the mobile home parks comfortably.https://www.wivb.com/news/investigates/akron-mobile-home-residents-fight-back-against-out-of-town-owner/1779504663  That's how life works.

After I gained a lot of experience, I was able to do more deals using other people's money.  

I’m eager to gain hands-on experience and learn from an experienced professional.

I would also question how the house gained 55k in equity, or ~24% in 2 years when interest rates rose and demand fell.

The challenges in real estate teach you invaluable lessons that you might not gain otherwise.I also invest in Chicago, so I have a few thoughts in response to the questions you raised.

Although the study may increase the gain, the gain may be taxed at a much lower rate making it a beneficial investment.If a property is purchased with the intention to flip or own for a short period of time (less than 3 years), a cost segregation study may not be significant.SHOULD I GET A COST SEGREGATION STUDY BEFORE OR AFTER REHABBING MY PROPERTY?

They do local meetups but you can at least gain access to true off market properties as apposed to using wholesalers.