The  rent controls or extremely lopsided anti investor is to join apratment associations and band together. https://www.naahq.org/advocacyYou can sign up for national apartment association or just google your local state oneshttp://rentalhousingsurvivalfu... 

I cold emailed and called the owner multiple times and eventually we connected, met in person and made a deal over the course of a few months.How did you finance this deal?

Sorry to sound cold.

I think one of them offers a public API.Once you get your license, you can join the CAR Chicago Association of Realtors and I have found them to be extremely helpful with questions like this. 

If you're not already extremely well connected, buy some index funds (or the next Nvidia - maybe the current Nvidia still? 

The most extreme example was when I purchased a 60% ownership interest in a $450,000 property for $10,000, that had to close the next day.

Bloomington has milder winters then we do up here in Chicago, but still gets snow and cold, which takes a toll on the property.  

We are attempting to get an eviction date, but could not pass a lead paint inspection because the weather is so cold in Cleveland that the paint will not dry.

It's an extremely clear lease clause, tenant gets discount based on painting of rooms landlord chooses.

I would do this first before engaging an agent unless you are extremely active.