If you are buying them correctly, each property should improve your ability to qualify for the next one. 

A tenant who is willing to make improvements to your property plans to stay there long term. 

It seems there's not a lot of inventory as far as similar rentals available.  

@Jay HinrichsIt may be due to lack of inventory, so I wanted to see what other good companies are out there.

While closed sales were down from their July 2020 high, the familiar story of sky-high demand, low inventory, and rising prices continues.

Us creative contributors (just 2 of us left now I think) have written a lot about it.Agree on not improving what you don't own. 

Raise your rents, increase all your basic requirements, improve your properties to attract better tenants and screen mercilessly.The European landlords have been under the gun for years.

This is one opportunity to make a quick improvement.

There is a ton of outdated inventory at all price points in Chicago which is a reason I like investing here.  

My two cents...after selling costs and improvements you're splitting what is probably a very small gain on a very small property.Buying computers and desks is not going to help you scale in the short-term.