You can create custom maps to mark areas of interest, track properties you're considering, and note key amenities like schools, shopping centers, and public transport.

Quote from @Mark Miles: Quote from @Zachary Engen: I just got 2 airbnb up and going last month and I have a property manager, he also gets MTR insurance bookings.

I suggest checking out some of the local Chicago meetups:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I'd also recommend setting up some coffee meetings with some of the TOP TALENT in Chicago: agents like @Jake Fugman & @John Warren and property managers like @Mark Ainley & @Krystyna Schexnayder and lenders like @Jose Valdovinos & @Zack Karp.

I'd recommend sitting down daily and writing down every single action steps that will help you get closer to your goal and mark each one off as you go.

Quote from @Karina Busch: Now that I know that Quartz/Granite is more affordable I will check into it for our next reno coming up, but laminate has been really durable for us in our last 2 personal homes as well.Also, you can set hot stuff on granite (at least briefly) whereas with a basic laminate you will leave marks...

By the time you raise it bit by bit, the new "market" rent will probably have surpassed the $1300 mark lol. 

Around 2 million I like Advance Auto parts, Auto Zone, Davita, Fresnuis, Aspen Dental, Heartland Dental, national emergency clinics,etc.Starting out cap rate in 6's but over time blended cap might eventually pass the 7 cap mark.

@Mark Miles, thanks for the info on southern vs northern investment.

The paint in the kitchen had grease stains and many water marks and looked horrible.

All these wholesalers and BRRR-finders are desperately looking to find something, and they're mark-ups are all very convenient and missing a lot of detail.