Hi Ben, I'm way new to this and I'm not as far along as you are, but I wanted to say I can relate to feeling alternately encouraged and then like my dreams might be unattainable.

I could be mistaken but I know I thought it was correct at the time. 

It's kind of disconcerting when I can only raise rents by 5% but insurance is increasing by 10% to 15% per year. 

Not the entire 700k can be offset because of the 461 limitation.

I don't mean to throw shade at my fellow Illinois residents, but I'm quite bearish on this state for the long-term. 

I would recommend considering conventional financing until you reach Fannie Mae's limit of 10 properties, then consider either a portfolio loan, and start your race to 10 again, or look at DSCR at that time. 

What I can share is that the risk-reward will not be worth it as a 'newbie' due to your limited capital and inability to actively manage your properties. 

Seems very limiting for the investor.  

It's no guarantee but it's a good place to start.

Appeal Property Tax AssessmentsProperty taxes are a significant expense for real estate investors, but they aren’t set in stone.