Call your local extension agent and talk to a master gardener for ideas on what plants are drought tolerant in your area.  

But for basic numbers:$85,500-$51,180 per year mortgage ($800K @ 5%)-$10,000 property taxes-$8,550 in property managing (using a 10% standard)-$3,000 in home insurance (just guessing)That leaves you about $12K, roughly $1K per month for any maintenance (in a 1964 property), owner paid utilities, gardening, etc.Maybe you end up clearing $500 per month on your $200,000 investment.  

I have a 2 flat with a garden in Irving Park which I believe is similar to the property you're looking at.  

Maybe start a community garden.

"Non-compliant" garden units are incredibly common in Chicago.  

I then put the furniture on craigslist and resold it and I got more for the furniture then I paid because it looked so nice in the new fresh flip.Moving and storing anything for staging is a pain. 

They ended up moving from a condo on Federal & Mississippi (behind where the Albertson's used to be - not the best of areas) and bought a condo over at Windsor Gardens (Havana and Alameda).  

- If not offer TI specific to hood and grease trap and ensure this becomes part of the space (tenant leaves it behind when they leave).Are you providing a fresh coat of paint or any floor treatments?

Its good to get fresh eyes on it, and talk about it. 

You can meet your team in person, look at the good [and bad] areas to own property and get a much better feel of what you are getting into.Of course just don't get stuck on analysis paralysis and end up never moving forward - I was guilty of this myself.For the most part, one should be able to find a freshly rehabbed, simple home, in a good working class neighborhood that rents for around $800 for close to $80k or less.I would also recommend staying away from [older] duplexes as well for now until you get a good feel of the area.Just a few thoughts, I hope that helps.- it's always good to see another Investor utilizing this great site!