Scott said show up at Home Depot at 6 am a the pro desk and see who is buying supplies.2) Go to REI clubs/get on mail lists and exchange names with other investors.3) Use/Network with great property managers and find out who they use.4) Do the normal methods such as classifieds, craigslist, angies list, yellow pages, random people that approach you.

Not sure if Chicago is the same way, but I would not try to hide a purchase price from a friend/family member when any random person could spend 15 minutes or less figuring it out on their own.

I wouldn't be a random market that you didn't believe in for the sake of a "good deal."

K....would you really buy something random that you really know nothing about?

@Randy Arnold Just random food for thought, but see if a local property management company (maybe in Jonesboro) could use a weekend maintenance technician.  

I have used craigslist and random other sites like roomster to see what room rentals go for in the area to calculate my expenses and income etc and to also see how much of a demand there is for single room rentals/roommates.

Ii'd suggest you find a 'closer' to do something with the lead, then wholesale them to maximize profit potential.since every person is different you need to know that those that don't reply are still potential prospects, they just don't like random text messages. you should still send them letters/postcards/etc. to try to get a bite.just let them know they can respond via call/text/email/website form.also many of these deals (if handled with a seasoned closer) would be handled off the MLS, therefore they would not use an agent.check out these podcasts.https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Sure, I would not want to just randomly increase the rent every year just because I can.

Here is how I break it down just on Cash flow:$705 Principle and Interest Payment ($136,000 Loan Amount based on 20% down payment)$75 monthly insurance$425 monthly taxes$42 monthly HOA Dues$128 Vacancy of 8% shown as a monthly fee$80 Random repairs shown as a monthly fee (Used 5% of rental income)$1600 Monthly Rental Income - $1457 Total Monthly Expenses is $143 monthly incomeIt would be an ok property but the Taxes are wayyyy to high and are killing the deal.

Account Closed you can get the info pretty quickly by simply attending one of your local REI meetings.You can also call a few random ones in your area and just ask them who works with investors.