I can use it now, but i have to keep the gates closed with a heavy duty tie down strap hehe. 

Nobody is going to know what works for you right out of the gate.

According to Fauci, Gates, and Biden there will be more. 

i agree totally, I have one property where I pay utilities and they keep it hotter that the gates of Hell in there, thats why I wanted a guestimate on switching over.

*We* all know you can't do *all* those things, but the beginner may not...and then try while being overleveraged right out the gate.

Quote from @Charley Gates: I just finished Jimmy Napier's book, "Invest in Debt." 

I want to be able to grow this portfolio and don't want to make a mistake right out of the gate that is going to make it more difficult than it needs to be to grow.

While some people like to BIG BANG their entry into RE investing, my advice for someone just starting out would be (1) don't get in over your head financially (don't do a multi unit right out the gate) (2) pick something small to TEST it, hell you may not LIKE doing this whole real estate thing after all (3) Don't buy a major reno, on the whole, houses are old in Chicago, so MAYBE take on a small cosmetic fixer but don't pick something that needs a ton of work.  

In my state you can't get your brokers license out the gate you will just be a normal salesperson.

If you only knock longenough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody. -- LongfellowMay the best be upon all, Joseph