I don't have access to the MLS so this seems to be a pretty good source but I'm wondering if anyone has experience using it to write letters and land deals on distressed or unwanted properties.

@Del Kirksey  Hey Del,  @Mark Ainley and @John Warren would be two good sources to connect with who are very knowledgeable about the Chicago area and might be able to help you out. 

What features do you wish it had?

You could contribute enough to get the match, let's say 4% from you and your employer (8% total contributions), but your 401k loses 6% one year, resulting in growth of only 2%.During a good year, maybe it grows by 16% (=8% investment gain on your 4% contribution and 4% match).Alternatively, you could keep the entire 401k account in cash (not invested in any securities) and let it grow at the matching rate, guaranteed like a CD.If you forecast out to retirement, based on what you plan to contribute, do you anticipate that your 401k will be your primary source of retirement income? 

I have found the podcast to be a great source as well.

It depends on the property and location to know what programs are available to you.You can get 30-year terms, though the fixed rate period will generally be 10-years or less.While lenders are focused on the primary source of repayment--the property cash flows--most still care about the sponsor's liquidity and net worth.

If you are buying from one of their referral sources, they have to get paid too.  

Without going into too many details or mentioning any specific sources that cause posts like this to get banned by BP, I'll just say that I have access to a very, very large database of off market properties and I have the opportunity to reach out to these property contract holders and do JV deals with them.

The MLS is the best data source, but you must be an agent or appraiser to access it.Always remember, one comp does not a market make.Nobody can predict the future, but we can look for signs of health or sickness.

It’s another source.