The ones I've found have the best value were ultimately side-hustles for the founder, and they were making most of their money from their real estate. 

And how much money are you making in your current job that you would want to replace with your real estate income?  

I work in WA, not IL.Sounds like similar facts - you need to be licensed if you are going to manage other folks' property.Here, you need to hang your license under a managing broker until you can get your managing brokers license, as brokers can't touch money and do a few other things legally.If it's like WA, you will have to hang your license under a managing broker at a brokerage, and coordinate deposits, contracts, fees with them.If that is the case, ask some brokerages that will allow you to hang your license under them for minimal fees in order to be compliant.

The catch is it must be vacant 90 days and winters in Vermont are expensive to heat the building so the pipes don't freeze requiring costly plumbing repairs.So this property may be eligible for up to $130k in grant money and rental income guaranteed by the state!

Out of state investors can do really well here, but you can also lose a decent chunk of money if you buy wrong.Lots of out of state investors, especially those from California get a little blindsided because everything here is so cheap it all looks like a guaranteed great deal.

They develop, they build, they finance, they property manage, they will have HAO, cleaning crew etc. etc. etc. so the subsidiary companies make money every step of the way.From investor perspective: The investor pay $15 K to reserve the right to purchase 25 multiplex over the year of next 5 years. 5 each year.

So, that was a waste of time and money, right?

And that can cost you time and money.

Let's say you split the cost of furniture over a 12 month period amortization rate.Furniture costs: $583Rent $1500Utilities $150Total Cost = $2233After vacancy costs, your monthly rental revenue is actually only $2240 Formula for vacancy (2800*12)*.80You're not making money. 

Keep in mind, you should have already had a conversation with the hard money Lender to know their terms and process, and be ready to perform.