In this market, your agent has to be on top of things or you don't get the deal.There is something known as "procuring cause" in the real estate agent world, and it has to do with commissions earned and paid.

Ditto on most of the posts being about ATL, which I have no desire to invest in.

While looking for duplexes in Wisconsin, some have no garage, but are otherwise desirable rentals.

My first option was to take a bus to a rei in downers grove (about an hour away) and try to enter a real estate education course on a payment plan and try to earn while learning but after reading about the course on BP it doesn't seem like a good use of money.

Small 2 bedroom SFRs will just never realize the same level of appreciation as other more desirable properties.

With the upgrades, I'm hoping to push my ask from $2500 to $3000 for the unit, when I move out.In other words, in a few years I am planning to earn $5500 in gross income per month or ($66,000 per year), which would be 1.1% of the purchase price.

You don't trust her and she is playing a part by not earning your trust; however, aside from all of us knowing this -- have you communicated it to your property manager?  

Tell the new PM that they are getting one your properties on a one year trial basis - they will work hard and play by your rules in order to earn your business.  

Desires?

What is desirability?