If the kitchen was just about ready for a fix up and you have a tenant who has lived there five years, then you will need to do some improvements before you can get market rent on the next turn over.This why I spend some time regularly looking at other ads on hotpads or Craigslist just to keep up on what’s out there.

Also, I am focusing on the DuPage market so far because of my accessibility. 

I’m looking for an accessible Meetup that is set up as an open meet and greet.

Does anyone know if I take out a HELOC on my primary residence and draw funds to purchase/improve rental property (1) will the interest be deductible? 

Your best bet is to contact a Farmers agent as they will have access to all 3 of those companies.

I will echo what @Thomas S. has said.No matter what you read, you need either money or access to it in most cases to make it in this business.Learning how to do the work, even on a basic level, will give you a lot of knowledge and save you money moving forward also.

You might be able to deny them access to the media system, but I would contact an actual lawyer before doing that.

You want access to the " secret" list that only have the good deals .  

1) Have clear Goals with access to capital 2) Perform daily Rituals that support the Goals 3) Uniform Branding 4) Marketing Plan (which I call a Massive Action Plan) 5) Conduct Daily Outreach 6) Due Diligence systems (either self-taught or through formal training) 7) Vetted Team in place (all the vendors and partners needed) 8) Workout systems (either self-taught or through formal training) 9) Living Forms Library (you need this to Note Invest at a high level) 10) Discipline to maintain the processes and treat Note Investing like a Business Please feel free to add to the list...

Staying under 4 units allows you the best access to long term financing at attractive rates.