Your piece is likely structured as a promoted interest with a carried interest.  

- While Illinois may have some problems the Chicagoland area is the 3rd largest MSA in the country (New York & Los Angeles are #1 & 2)  It's large & diverse.  

Looks like you are not planning to be a wholesaler so I would suggest to delay reading RE books .. instead look for ways to increase income.Since you are in IT sales and managing a few people, try to get a better job in another company or a promotion in yours.

It isn't speculation, it actually already happened in Canada.. so part of the 49% surge in the US is due to diversion of funds from Canada by foreign investors there where they faced an additional 15% foreign investor tax, that was recently assessed specifically to thwart the bubble there.

Once you show up consistently and network, you will find the more experienced investors where you can offer to shadow in order to get mentor-ship.Any experienced investors who approach you via your post are likely to promote something.

He includes in his goals of intelligent investing a leg promoting a social component of having a cause and helping it along as you grow your wealth.

I originally joined the site to promote my lending business, and have gained some incredibly awesome clients from it, but soon realized that the wealth of information and advice of everyone on here was much more valuable!

Sounds like you would have to find an operator to promote and bring you on as broker/ property manager outside of the GP. 

Heck get two to diversity.

Cleveland is a pretty diverse city.