Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I'm wondering the best way to handle applications and collection of application fees, as well as selecting the most qualified tenant.

I don't know how many hours/days/weeks I sat in front of the computer searching.

Does anyone have any good methods or is your methods as simple as google searching?

I didn’t have luck with that but did a general search for my city and “group” or “meetup” and found a local group right here in my town.

You can start by going to www.narpm.org and search their directory of managers.

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors and agents in Chicago and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersBest of luck to you and look forward to following your journey!

You could also try target marketing, where you run ads in selected publications or locations to go for a specific market (like retired people, military, etc).  

Here's a recommendation for you:If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Good Luck in your search