Am I missing something or not understanding the process? 

I understand your excitement about taking the plunge into real estate investing.

I explained seller financing and they were opposed to it because of their age, which is understandable.

I understand there are rules in place regarding STRs, so I'd like to find a realtor that is familiar with the rules, codes and laws that can guide me.

What should I do in these towns to understand the market but more importantly the city to see if I would want to live there after I graduate college?

I explained seller financing and they were opposed to it because of their age, which is understandable.

I understand that notes is a business best learned by doing, but I am trying to lay a good foundation of knowledge as a starting point.To date, I have read these books:"Invest like a Bank" by Beaux Blast" Little Green Book of Note Investing" by Fred Moskowitz"Real Estate Note Investing" by Dave Van Horn"Note Investing Made Easier" by Martin Saenz"Invest in Debt" by Jimmy Napier"Profiting from Non-performing Mortgage Notes" by Amed HazelI welcome any thoughts or recommendations that the group may have.   

I go over the entire lease section by section with the tenant so that they have a decent understanding of it. 

All of Chicago is not falling to pieces with crime.I'm happy to connect, understand your goals, and see if we can add value to your plans.

When it comes to hands-on work, we partner clients up with teams on the ground that have helped us successfully flip hundreds of homes, and understand the overall strategy and execution of these micro-flips.