@Juliann MoralaA GC is suitable for estimating rehab costs, but consider hiring a property manager or investor-friendly realtor for unbiased opinions.Video Walkthrough – Have them record a wide-angle video of the interior and exterior to capture the whole condition.Floor Plan Mapping – Use an app like MagicPlan to create a detailed floor plan with measurements.Major Systems Check – Roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—any red flags?

Check them out at BiggerPockets.com/equitytrustAre they any specific features that are most important to you in a self-directed IRA provider?

The only thing the bank required is that I had a checking account with direct deposit setup into their account. 

Check with the county about permits and what is allowed.

One of the roadblocks weir running into is the potential tenant will keep communication and go silent once we bring up background checks.

Check out some of the local chicago events posted on BP:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I personally, knew I wanted to go more into real estate so took a third of my high paying W2 to join a tech focused real estate startup and it was the best thing ever did!

Good for you for checking though. 

Also, because you are at risk if the leasee fails to execute properly, you had best have a great lease and the ability to check on their performance. 

It is all about adding value and improving cash-on-cash returns.It is also worth checking market trends to see the year-over-year growth rate and run a pro forma to project how much appreciation and rental income increases you might see over time.Your savings and financial discipline put you in a great spot, and I would just encourage you to explore how you can make your money work harder for you instead of locking it all into one property.

Establish some "safeguards" to keep them honest and consistently check their work.