It just seems to make sense to get out of Illinois (especially Cook County) with outrageous property taxes, the new soda tax, and speculation of another rise in property taxes soon.

I'd avoid Cook (Crooks) county but the rest of the state is pretty decent!

@James Riley Cook Your best bet is to talk to a mortgage broker instead of a bank.

I also researched that I might be able to file a motion with the court asking for "use and occupation" for the tenant to pay rents while the case is going on... but not sure if this is applicable for IL cook county and how likely will we get the rents...Can you provide me advice on how to proceed? 

The only way I would consider it is a convection cook top, which is too expensive to justify in a rental.

My other criteria are non smoker, no cats, dogs with fee, and income 3 times rental, etc.If 600 ish is unreasonable, what numbers do ya'll use?

We love to read books, take walks, cook, and play outside! 

One thing that drove us both crazy was smokers.

On one hand, the unit is coming off being occupied by smokers, so its not a taj mahal, on the other hand, that level of interest at the price 1 month away from it being available makes me think there's room for an increase.I was thinking about messaging each person and telling them I've had an overwhelming response and will be doing 850 instead of 825.

Also to find that information out you go to the cook county recorder of deeds.