Before you get involved learn all you can.  

Pair those recommendations with the multiple random recommendations that come up during the episode's conversation and you'll have a massive list of "must reads" within no time. 

I get where you’re going with this, but I think at the end of the day, in the past, the landlord had multiple people LIVING in another unit when she believed there was only going to be one.

Some people might do the opposite, find the property first, then decide on location second, based on 1% or 2% rule or 10%+ cap rate properties in multiple geographically large markets hundreds or thousands of miles away, maybe look at a few photos, get a Realtor's opinion of the neighborhood and after 10 minutes they are ready to write an offer sight unseen, and "maybe" they'll bother to see the property at close of escrow if they can squeeze in a 1 or 2 day trip.   

What I am saying is that you have probably been misled about the amount of time, effort, and risk involved, both financial and legal.

Just completed a large remodel on my primary residence ($90k in) with the goal of refinancing to consolidate some personal debt and pull some additional cash for other real estate related projects, BUT ran into a road...

I’ve been looking into it for a while and have talked to multiple family members who have encouraged me to go for it really immerse myself with it.

X Plus is the #1 broker for 2-4units over multiple zip codes in Chicago, and often they source deals that don't go to the MLS. 

My wife and I started a year ago and have been very fortunate to have a good start, with amazing people around us, and we'll also be working with my father, who is a full time investor of over 30 years.In preparation, I'm scheduling multiple visits to COS to network, learn the market, and form a team to start working on acquisitions before we are fully moved.

Without 250 a door (and I’d want multiple doors on that property) I wouldn’t bother