Hey @Jacob Lopez - I personally use the MLS and rentometer.There are some Chicago specific rental platforms like domu.Are you saying that you have found the US Dept of Housing to be inaccurate?

There is a monthly in person BP event, an event called pints and properties, a triangle deal makers session, NCREIA, and Triangle Real Estate Investors Association (TREIA) that meet in and around the Raleigh area. 

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

As I learned more, I understood that screening was not a fixed process, but one that needed to be improved all the time.It wasn't just one person who had to deal with problems when underwriting deals.

My $0.02 is that it would be super helpful if your in-laws (or you) set aside a week or 2 to look at apartments in person and apply right away.

Currently house hacking with 2 roommates but I am looking to purchase my first true rental property.Hey Trevor, I personally invest in the Columbus market and have been doing it for the past couple years.

I started investing about 8 years ago personally, then decided to become a professional a few years ago. 

My personal opinion is that a shower door is nicer, but wondering if that's going to create maintenance headaches later. 

I don't personally utilize this strategy, but many other people do so successfully so you might look into that.