I work and live in Chicago in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood and my biggest concern is that so many people who live here, are not in a position or perceive they are not to take advantage of the changes. 

Yes you can do this typically a commercial lender or private lender is how this is done assuming it’s not your own cash

Their reports are an excellent tool to include in your presentations to lenders, private capital investors, partners etc.

If you're living in one unit then your rent roll is really just whatever the other 3 units will provide, are you planning to stay in that one unit, or move to a private residence/next investment once the rehab is complete?

Say I use a private lender and he gives me the money to pay for a property with cash. 

Many Private Lenders are offering the initial costs can add to your primary loan but it is usually for one year but might be a good solution. 

The biggest one refers to your experience needed could keep you away from doing apartments. 

Just one more thing, maybe the biggest...

(I have about 3k liquid cash, and a 10k Roth IRA, no debts, monthly expense to income ratio of ~.31)I can either go the slow route, get a W2 job, get some decent W2 income, save as much as possible and continue learning for the next year before 'starting' or, I can seek private lenders to accelerate this plan.  

Should it be private or business.- What country should i be looking for in order to buy an asset.- Where should i look for assets.