Most importantly, I am looking for suggestions on CU's that offer great terms and conditions in the Chicagoland area.

If you take a more passive role, you will still amass a great rental portfolio with a little less risk.If you take the active approach then I suggest you have a competent partner or mentor, and assemble the right team in the markets you considered.In the meantime, and as always, continue to educate yourself.

I do believe piper suggested the old "subject to my partners approval" con in another thread. 

You can look for investors on sites like craigslist also.You can go to your local REIA meeting and meet investors there, that will probably be the easiest way to find a bunch of investors you know are ready and looking to buy.If you want a list of potential investors, you can do what was already suggested. 

It's never simple is it?

I'm not sure if I can do anything beyond call a heating company which I imagine has an opinion ab what I order.Eric,    When I get a new to me property i will generally do the work myself, everyone is afraid of it, but its really quite simple if you have experience with advanced home projects, I just applied to be an HVAC Contractor in WI so i can pull the permits and sign the yellow cards,  crazy part is in WI there is no experience or education requirement to be a Heating contractor, Just pay the state for a credential.   

I'd suggest defining what financial peace of mind is to you, and focus on elements of this biz that will get you there fastest.

All suggestions and tips welcome, love this community!

Favorites are:1. subject to my partners approval (your pet rat can be your partner). piper suggest this in another thread. 2. subject to 90 day inspection (just tell them your inspector is world class and in high demand)3. subject to 0% financing for 40 yearsRemember, being an unlicensed broker requires a drivers license, no RE license, no education, trickery, deceit, no money, no high school diploma, and nothing to lose.

Any suggestions/tips/advice?