If anyone locally would lilke to connect and help me help them I would be willing to connect and show you what i get from the sellers i deal with.   

Don't remember the rental license fee off the top of my head but it is under $150 a year. 

Cash flow would be ideal, but for this particular property I’m most concerned with the location being one we’d want to live in (A+, A neighborhood, ability to find renters, needs cosmetic work but still liveable, and at least break even (not counting assumed appreciation).

Hi so for as long as I can remember I've always wanted to invest in real estate but never thought it to be a reality for someone like me until a friend of mine recently introduced me to the bigger pockets podcasts and after listening to a few episodes I started to realize that even for a guy like me that comes from a background of no money can make it if only I put my head to it so I've decided to start by getting my real estate license since that's something that's constantly brought up in the episodes but have no idea as how to obtain one. any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated tia  

I can't remember, something like 2,400.

I remember you. 

Any recommendations for 1) brokers who could do the BPO (ideally I bring the broker to ensure Independence); and 2) an Illinois lawyer who will know the mechanics of setting this up?

In the book, I can't remember who said this, but he said you should multiply your goal by 10 and that is your new goal. 

Sadly, most of these who find themselves in such a predicament (remember, you do not get on to a Roddy report by having a stellar reputation as a decision maker :-) )....most who find themselves here fall into the 2 general camps listed above: Those who are paranoid, thinks EVERYONE knows their business, and believes anyone seeking them out to be a creditor.

Remember that cash flow is what counts.