It’s definitely exciting to see suburban Chicago getting recognition as a hot rental market—it’s something I’ve noticed in my own experience as well.

Don't apologize, don't explain how the 'chosen' tenant was more qualified than they were, wish them well in their search.You're running a business and you've made a business decision. 

I feel direct mail is another great method.

I have heard that it is common practice that private money lenders collect a monthly fee thru various methods, I'm trying to determine what those methods are.   

Waco Texas is a known city that has a very good Private College, Baylor University.

What other methods should I use to acquire another property? 

Here is the Collin Hays method of buying the property at what you want to pay:Don’t ask the seller what their best offer is.

@Audris TienIt Is known in the industry - read the website - logically two people could not manage $1.4B in real estate?

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

It's well over a million, well over.