I would love to meet up with investors and agents in person in my area to learn more about real estate and any advice they may have.

Has anyone found a local bank in the Chicagoland area that offers a loan like this?

We teach how to find those so here are some ways:ProbatesTired LandlordsVacation HomesExpired off of the MLSPre-Foreclosuresand so onand they are often located by mailings, cold calls, door knocking, "Bandit" signs, word of mouth, Local REIA meetings

Or reach out to a few who are local, they would know! 

Do you know of a local real estate investors club in the area?

Give them contact info for a local gym that has drop in fees.

So, we spent thousands of dollars on 4 months in an Airbnb and local storage WHICH WASN’T EVEN NECESSARY.

Have you tried asking the homeowners to invite their kids to the meeting where you assess the home's value?

Yes you can refinance out as long as you qualify and meet the terms of the lender2.

There is a famous case in San Francisco a few years ago where a local couple bought the HOA property like sidewalks and streets, in an expensive neighborhood.