I would start here: Get a Real Estate License in Illinois - Illinois REALTORS - You need to take a 75 hour course and then pass the state and national exam...shouldn't be a problem for you!

Covered parking for 8 vehicles. any thoughts on agent or non-agent?

If you buy units and park them with a PM you will likely have a much harder time reaching this goal than if you self manage.

We currently use Rent Manager for our property management software for our mobile home parks and other rentals, etc, but use QBO as our main accounting books.  

You really think the ES school is better than any mentor in the nation, really?

You can always house hack, buy a multi family, do a trailer park and live in a trailer etc.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as of 2023, housing inventory remains 40% below pre-pandemic levels, leading to heightened competition in many areas.To be considered a neutral market, not seller's or buyer's, the specific market center would need to have 6 months of inventory.

Quote from @James Harryton: I recently bought a home in Avon park Fl.

Interesting that your market is slowing, but Chris's market is doing well around Orlando.Jacksonville hasn’t been building as many total units as Orlando, but Jacksonville has been top 10 in the nation for building new housing units as a percentage of current stock.

Portage Park has been a hot growth area!