My husband has a friend he went to high school with who is a real estate agent.

What specific roles do brokers hold that agents should not? 

If possible, not use an agent, to lower commission owed expense (not sure if this is possible in Chicago, IL).

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Have you dealt with agents on this forum?

We read everywhere: You need to have a good team in the area you are investing (Real Estate agent, property manager, project manager/ contractor (if you do any rehabs).

They somehow convinced my tenant it would be livable during this and my insurance agent has said they can pay me half a month rent if he stays (which I will pass the savings along to him) and if he decides it’s not live able they will give me a full months rent so he doesn’t have to pay.

That threshold should be discussed on a per property and per individual basis with an agent that is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and has your back.4.

I spoke to a real estate agent and he said I would be hard pressed to find a property in that price range in a good neighborhood and that the Temple/Killeen area would be a better place for me to look.

My goal during that time is to focus on marketing and networking as I make the transition from part time to full time agent and I'm looking for ways to make connections.