Based off your implied recommendation, you are either jealous of wholesaling fees (like many agents), or you don't know how difficult it is to find a needle in a haystack.

As a local I can tell you prices are super inflated here at the moment and the numbers don't make sense 99% of the time unless you find a needle in a haystack

It seems that, between the low inventory, high interest rates, and still somewhat inflated home prices, you can't get a good deal unless you're buying cash or find a true needle in the haystack.

I mean if you've worked with framers and MEP subs who are generally available, reliable, AND able to give you the same price for a single home that a tract builder can get ... then good for you, you seem to have found all the needles in the haystack. 

The past few weeks have left me very pessimistic. I'm feeling that the good times are very likely winding down for finding good deals in Chicago. Seems that lots of properties are overpriced and good deals are wrapped...

I'm not saying they don't exist but they are the proverbial "needle in a haystack."  

It is literally like finding a needle in a Haystack trying to find one.I Don't really want to use a Big Corporate HML, as I'd prefer to use one who is ..... 1.

You would be better off marketing for them to find your needle in the RE haystack.

That includes some areas of the  Sacramento market which along with certain areas of Stockton and Merced that  offer these needles in the haystack.

It's like finding a needle in a haystack, but the points you mentioned are helpful.