Plus, if you'd like to connect and talk marketing/sales happy to do coffee or something.Also, there are tons of Facebook groups for Chicago real estate.Lastly, just doing some 1:1 networking with lenders, agents, and architects is something we focus heavily on.

NETWORK!!!

I was fortunate enough to live in Detroit for several years, so I was able to establish a network before moving back to California.

I’ve met several investors in the area and I’m always interested in expanding my network and talking with others in the REI space.  

100% leverage, which is what it sounds like you're proposing, is high risk.true private money IMO is someone already in your network - your uncle, your dentist. 

NETWORK!!!

@Nathan NoorlunRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Negotiating seller concessions, networking with local investors, and learning property management skills have been key to finding deals with strong long-term potential.Good luck!

This will go a long way in creating a network and future sellers and buyers will start to see you as a resource in this arena.  

Your network is your networth.