How to Invest in Real Estate by Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner: If you’re not sure which strategy is right for you, this book gives a broader overview of many strategies to help you choose your own investing adventure. 

The Multifamily properties need more than cosmetic work as they were foreclosed for years and winters are unforgiving (unheated building, etc).It has been an adventure.

I would assume so, e.g. you have a $100k home loan, take a $30k refinance out for downpayment on another adventure, now you own $130k. - I also see people tend to use some sort of formula to determine if a rental will be cash flow position, where they factor in repairs, capex, management (i think to do that part myself), etc.

You hear economic drivers like new sports complex in Rantoul, casino coming to Danville, etc.

And I want to live a life of wealth and adventure, not cubicals and stress! 

My father in law and husband bought it as an "investment" 20 years ago speculating that once Sullivan County gets a casino permit business would be booming.. here we go the casino is finally being built but I don't see the area turning around any time soon.. 

42, I got a late start to REI (just started last year), I own 2 SFH that are currently rented out, another SFH in the process of getting rehabbed and will be rented by September, I own a piece of vacant land near a casino, and I'm almost on contract with my first duplex (a City-owned property).

I was thinking about trying to get some like minded people together, possibly over dinner at foxwoods casino.

I'm proud of you and I wish you the best of luck on your next real estate adventure!

Good luck on your adventures