What is my next step (what contracts etc do I need) without involving realtors so I don't have to pay extra fees to this and that person?

As far as your tax questions, I would personally refer you back to your tax advisor or refer you one if you need it.

I personally am in industrial, but Chicago is a 1.2 billion SF industrial market.

This is a 4 day in person mastermind that digs deep into the different aspects of multifamily investing.

Here some of my advice first Educate yourself Understand the local rental market trends, property values, and rental demand.

I'm interested in connecting with other investors and investor-friendly real estate agents, focusing in MTRs in Kansas City.I'm interested in a 2-bedroom house (SFR or duplex), ideally near hospitals and/or universities and research centers.Are there any real estate agents you would recommend from personal experience?

Every person and situation can be unique.

Make sure you understand the work that needs to be done and educate yourself prior the walkthrough and ask questions and share any thought you have about the project.this is the most important decision of your renovation.

I dont post on facebook personally as I cant figure out how it works and or follow it.

One of your biggest challenges will be separating all the online fluff from reality.EXAMPLE: several S8 "gurus" have already been exposed as frauds, but unfortunately, they sucked in thousands of investors.You're an engineer, use your education & experience to start building up a logical approach to investing in rentals:)Start with this:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.