My plan has been to take up sales so that my work ethic has a direct impact on how much income I make.

I'm an Illinois realtor but unfortunately don't live or work near the city so wouldn't be able to assist you directly, but I do have a colleague in the area that I believe would be able to help you greatly.

Property info: #1 main residence, current value $1m, outstanding mortgage $400k#2 current value $600kSo, ideally I'd like to have one mortgage for $1m, to cover both properties - as that would mean only one mortgage, only one enquiry = increased probability for approval. 

We do allot of creative structures so feel free to call me directly and I am more than happy to brainstorm this out with you.  

We do alot of marketing here at my company, and although we do Direct Mail, I would say it could use some work. 

This will open the door for you to negotiate with the seller in a more direct sense but the agent still have the duty to disclose.

Just want to know what's more effective as far as using direct mail, or handwritten letters.

I spoke to them today and was told their REO department was shut down and they don't know who to direct me to regarding their REO's on res.net.  

I have found crowdfunding to be a far more effective (and passive) alternative to direct RE investing for me in the US, and am migrating my US holdings in that direction. 

Use the FOIA (Freedom of information Act) and request from county tax collector's office.Copy of the payor's check would be ideal.