I do a combo of short-, mid-, and long term rentals on the northside of Chicago and surround suburbs.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

My market is similar to what you are describing and I too see signs of a suckers rally and reminds me of 2004-2006.

How do you connect to deals if you are not already in the wholesale community?

Overall I would personally consider how I can still grow with the freedom that I have focusing on my real estate.

Slowly and surely, you will make a lot money.

Quote from @William Dorrough: I currently either purchase and value add large scale multifamily properties or develop, and build ground up my issue with scaling is we have done this without brining in investors i have a great deal flow with a good track record im really looking to do more i have the capacity but have the need for more capital in one way or another  Scaling without investors can be tough, especially in multifamily.

I don't know, is this an impossible deal or is there some way to make this work?

It is crazy how similar my process has gone.

I had to have Anderson re-do one of my LLC's from the other guys to save me money in annual state fees ..I look at it this way, as long as my business/investment income covers the costs I don't have a problem paying for reliable - worry free information and work.