Can you share some more info with regard to what particular areas in Joilet are good/safe and which areas to avoid?

Yes, the safe harbor rule only applies to the foreclosing bank.  

Its good for commercial applications and playgrounds.  

Not in the spirit of federal loan (government subsidized) loans, the SAFE Act, potentially fraud statutes, may be against 'public policy' interests, etc.

You are taking a great initial step to educating yourself about real estate and working toward implementing what could be a life-long income strategy.While a passive "market based" investing is a great way to approach a well rounded strategy, there is no replacement for safe real estate investing.Most people can retire on 5 good rental properties. 1800 x 5 = $9K per month.

I understand EMF's are bad but is there a safe distance? 

I am very anxious and motivated to learn how to profit safely and transition out of my "job".

You earnest money will be 100% safe if you learn some of trick of the trade. 

You can be as safe or risky as your investment risk profile can tolerate.

To add onto the other example there is also a "Safe Harbor" of $50 per square foot that you can deduct too; however, much of this depends upon your business to determine if it is allowed or not.