...I would love to continue this spirited debate, but I actually have to get to my job.

Yes, you can use FHA and Conventional program for a primary home if you are buying a "Distressed" property - (Will not pass an inspection) "Subject to">  FHA offers a 203K loan and Fanie Mae offers a Home Style program which has the sole purpose of working with distressed properties. 

We waited 7 months for the bank to make a decision on the short sale, and once the bank came back with an acceptance counter-offer, our buyer bailed, even after multiple times of telling him this was a really good deal!

@Rufino MendiolaIf Illinois doesn't fit your investment criteria then I'd go with a market that has strong population/job growth, landlord friendly, low property taxes and high rent to price ratios.

Systemize, optimize and monetize" your real estate endeavors.Don't trip over the pennies to pick up dollars.Finding and handing over to a trustworthy PM is worth the cost.Investing in real estate shouldn't be about getting yourself into another job.We manage 400 units and I can tell you it's like having 10 jobs lolMuch success

I'm curious to hear from this community about what additional services you think a property manager should offer to enhance the overall property management experience.What are some other innovative or valuable services you think property managers could offer?

Nice job! 

Some municipalities offer funds for emergency repairs.

Did you get robbed or offered drugs while walking around? 

In either case, your PMC should be doing a better job of explaining to you what is the cause of all this.