Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Use your phone create contacts Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Please recommend any local company.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator you can use to analyze deals and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

I'd recommend finding an investor agent.

I recommend you read some books about how to manage properties well, use a strong contract, know that contract inside/out, know your state law inside/out, build policies and procedures to catch and stop problems quickly, know how to screen and select good applicants, etc.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Chicago architect with experience in the City of Chicago, and who has the proper sustainability credentials?

Let me give you some names of those that have done arbitrage and can actually help you make an informed decision according to your situation.Michael and Elizabeth Chang My first recommendation Jake Mercer Is right on BiggerpocketsPreston Seo Been hearing a lot of good feedback lately on PrestonAlso, there is a wonderful thread on rental arbitrage that just resurfaced recently.

I also recommend you stop chasing the "get rich quick" schemes you'll find on YouTube or in books written within the last five years.

@Sydney McCloudYou can speak with a lawyer for a few minutes and they will tell you the risks / pros cons  Here is who I recommend to our investor clients around Reno Tahoe.