On 2/19 - after the lease was signed - I called two HVAC companies and they both said the issue is that the furnace had no heat pump, and was running solely on 2 heat strips.

My business partner and I just opened up our property managment company in the Chicago/Chicagoland area and it is not easy to do this the "right way".Honestly you can get yourself into some serious trouble if something happened with a tenant, an injury, anything and they sue and find out you don't have a license.

I will continue learning and reading.

They go through a management company, M.

Unless new companies move into the city and create replacement jobs, all that will remain are lower-paying service sector jobs.

That can get you some money up front to continue to build your portfolio and it takes you out of being a landloard and puts you into the position of being the bank instead. 

My company scans and analyzes thousands of properties a day and I can say there are definitely better markets than others!

Stay striving and continue to stay curious!

Better if the company has a lot of info in writing that you can absorb to minimize this.

Take your time to clarify your goals, and be ready to continually learn and network along the way.Remember, each step you take is a valuable experience that brings you closer to success.