2.Are there strategies to reduce the required down payment or secure better mortgage terms?

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

How difficult or easy has it been to get tenants secured in that area?

AirDNA shows it on the rise in terms of annual revenue, occupancy rate, average daily rate and revpar, with about 3,000 total listings.

Key point is WITH a SECURED border to stop the flood of 100k-300k monthly illegls. 

If ODC cannot execute on their funds and are falling well short of performance expectations, then I'm not sure how any potential investor would feel secure in this new 'private credit fund'. 

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

However, from a real world day to day experience it's a totally different animal.

In total it cost me about $500.Unfortunately, I was not able to reconcile the needs of my niche market with what the Capital Syndicate had to offer. 

I can totally see why you may have felt ashamed, but the reason these forums exist is to share information.