Maybe there is a comparative loose piece under the house I can break.

The announcement of a new hospital near I-90 and a hotel downtown will help as well.Home prices are climbing a little in Rockford but are still very low compared to the suburbs of Chicago.  

Comparing Bank Recourse debt to Agency Non-Recourse debt, the most significant difference might be Replacement Reserves.  

Run those numbers long term and compare.

It is a reminder you need to try, measure and compare to really see what is successful. 

Also, there is a quad in the area that's going for $75K ... you might want to take a look at that one and see how it compares.

Welcome Brooke, you don't need to go too far, near where you live, Pittsburg and Antioch have some good multi-unit houses that give you decent return compare to other cities in Bay Area. 

Do you want to know more about whole life insurance, and how it compares to other investment/savings strategies?

I would show her comparables in the neighborhood and then present my strongest offer, but to where I'm profitable as well.

(that means you pay them a fee or commission for performance.)Compare a simple equity profit on a deal and walking with $10,000  in your pocket.