Speaking of the Windy City, it boasts higher rental rates, a variety of housing options, and an extensive public transportation system.

This being said, I would not hesitate to install the vinyl flooring in these areas as they are durable, water proof, very popular and come in a wide variety of tile and wood look. 

The second link there is a compilation of many different postings from a variety of BP members on how they find their buyers.

And I earnestly would like to know what tools, out of all the garden variety of choices, are the most efficient to setup and scale my real estate business for the optimal performance.

Multiple Google searches on a variety of real estate related topics that all ended at BiggerPockets.

I used to be with Plum Tree and went to Keller Williams for a variety of reasons, including the above, but also because their website pushed all leads to the broker who kept them for himself.  

Its a great place to start gaining knowledge about REIPlease take a look at the http://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/http://www.biggerpockets.com/posdcasts/http://www.biggerpockets.com/forumsYou will get tons and tons of information on variety of topics here on BP.Please feel free to reach out.

There are many neighborhoods that have offer are variety of returns.

Richmond is a great market, there is a wide variety to look at depending on what area of Richmond interests you. 

Aloha,If his AC is separate from yours, and depending on exactly what type of AC, there are a variety of ways to set up an occupancy sensor to cut off after a specified amount of time.