@Jonathan Stevens if you're looking for someone local I can recommend someone; if you're willing to consider a CPA in another state I can recommend a couple of other folks as well.

For these reasons, I'm thinking it may hinder my overall goals, but don't want to completely rule out the possibility if folks out there have found success.As far as why I'm drawn to the career: flexible schedule, weird love for numbers, driving for dollars between jobs, general REI adjacency, daily variety of location, outdoor/indoor, relatively active (on my feet), potential for solid income after certification (especially on the commercial side). 

HNW folks have made big money over the last 12 months on a variety of investments. 

If anything folks are getting discouraged.

Let's face it - the owner has the deepest pockets here and an attorney will walk right pass the Section 8 lady and her crazy son to get to you.Protect yourself today and kick these folks to the curb where the trash belongs.  

If folks want to get experience being the bank and in states that you need no license for non owner occ loans.seems to me originating a new loan that is first position with cash equity to a going paying concern is pretty attractive option.

Some folks have suggested some books, but frankly, I doubt it would add much.

Folk are moving out that way for its affordability.

Have other folks dealt with "existing nonconforming" properties?

What are some of the hot finishes folks are using today in Chicago?