Since I work pretty hard at my day job and don’t have much renovation experience, I wanted something simple—a rental I could put a tenant in and at least break even.

Some days are pretty minor, but you need to skim, check filters, check ph, check cholrine, etc. 

Are there any creative things that could be done to get to my goals or from your standpoint,  or is it pretty well a firm "not gonna fly" type scenario? 

It seems to be pretty much impossible!

Secondly, that article, while highlighting a genuine problem that exists pretty much all across the world, makes a marginal group sound like it's a large organization.Regarding Spain first, the measure is so stupid that I doubt it's going to be adopted and implemented.

I was fortunate enough to find a lender with 15% down for my previous properties  For sure, man, I’m sure it varies by state with Lending  but in Texas 20% down is  pretty standard on investment properties.

Mississippi is pretty small not a lot but start with DR Horton, Lennar, etc. most companies are after large growth cities though. not sure about Jackson 

I would be leery of an product or service being promoted that has zero negative reviews.A 1-star review is often not realistic and will tank the algorithm in your first year for sure because it's not balanced out yet.

Seems pretty solid to me, no?

Aside from this forum and the events promoted here, where else would you recommend looking to find connections or events with experienced flippers in Chicago?