Start to develop a "list" by category. 

@Mike MedinaToo many variables...basement or no basement....simple truss roof system or cut up with numerous gables and vaulted ceilings....viynl siding or brick and stone....covered porches or treated decks....i could go on.Do you have a set of plans drawn ?

The condo owner finally had to evict after the HOA imposed numerous fines on him following repeated demands to keep the noise down during quiet hours were ignored.

However I have significant experience in the category in general.

Based on job losses for O&G , its in Recession Category aka rent growth is inflation or minus for MF cat which should be implied into rent growth for SFR as well.

It's free for everyone like Cozy but it has a seemingly robust expense tracker that'll be able to code expenses to different properties and categories to then export to excel for the cpa at the end of the year.

You could go park your money somewhere else, so when challenges arise with real estate, you need to have the drive to stay with it, and that will only happen if you have clear goals that you're working towards.Also, you need to get educated about what "investing in real estate" means to you, as there are numerous channels to utilize and it can often feel overwhelming.

Of course, you still have to make sure the information you receive and base your decision on doesn't violate any protected Fair Housing categories. 

There are a bunch of ways to help prove yourself to a Lender, but staying healthy in these four categories will put you in the best position to get approved and ready to shop for your next deal. 

In Chicago, we have numerous areas that fit this description.