To qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REPS), you must meet three criteria: the 50% rule, meaning more than half of your total work hours must be in real estate activities; the 750-hour rule, which requires you to work at least 750 hours in real estate; and material participation in your properties.

The only reason I've heard of Morris Illinois, is beacuse our family used to drive to central Illinois to camp and boat, and Morris is directly on Route 47.Are you currently investing in Chicago or near you in Joilet @Scott Meech?

Quote from @Michael Soukup: Yes, I recommend you pay off all your debt first before investing in another property.

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

I do my own due diligence and call all reference numbers, past landlords, and do an in person interview.

In any area the quotes should all be within 5-15% of each other.

Currently my credit score is in the 800's - any thoughts? 

Several of my STR investor clients here in Colorado have used a designer, and they generally pick a few statement pieces that they spend money on and then go with FB marketplace  or even IKEA for smaller items. 

In the meantime, hang in there. 😎 "Big" Henry

It’s probably wrong for us to laugh at people who lack some knowledge - but why would anyone invest in something they don’t even have a basic understanding of?