If you are set on closing under your personal name, you definitely want to check with your lender on that during the initial fact-finding stage. 

If you're targeting Section 8 tenants in Chicago, I'd suggest listing at the fair market rent of $2000.

For this reason, I would take inventory of the local banks within your target markets that offer financing options that best serve your real estate needs (again, usually the smaller local banks), and build depository relationships with them.

Because counties usually set the fair market value of properties  about 15% below the actual sales value.  

We are set to head back to Kyoto in a few months to start prepping the property ready for guests.

Its good that you've already established some target markets, I'd recommend diving deep into 1 or 2 markets, then branching out. 

Parts of this country haven't rebounded from the real estate market crash.I do wish I had spent more time setting up my lab to mine both BC & LC.

I know the founder and know that they've set out to build a platform that takes the best features of sites like Furnished Finder and Airbnb and leaves out the clunkiness and annoying policies and practices.

You'll either need to write and mail a check or call and pay with a card if they are set up for that.Is it for a contractor who is doing a renovation that will be 30k?

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.