Quote from @Nathan Harden: Quote from @Jack Smith: For what it's worth...

Columbus is worth looking into as well if you want to hold real estate long term.  

Worth a look, they are ridiculous!

Some lenders allow exceptions for transfers to LLCs owned by the borrower, but it’s worth confirming first.Explore transfer tax exemptions: Chicago doesn’t make this easy, but there may be exemptions or reductions for certain types of ownership transfers.

Except -- it could be worth more if I put it somewhere else.

If may cost a bit but will be well worth the effort.

Calling a FSBO wasn't the original question - it was "text blasting".I cited some very solid sources above that are worth reading. 

It’s also worth connecting with a property manager and contractor early, even if you don’t need them right away.

As home values rise, so does your net worth.

It may be worth waiting the 6 months to refi into better terms.