Also, make sure to square away the utilities, find out if you owe taxes for 2021, as mentioned above get the data on the tenants.

Since I plan on doing this for at least the next 6 months, I want to be as organized as I can so I can keep track of leads, contacts, and data.

That was 7 years ago so don't have any recent data on them 

Find the data at the following link:  Median Price Multifamily Aurora Elgin

Working with a reliable and resourceful agent will not only save you time, but will hopefully ensure a smooth transaction as opposed to the headaches of doing your first deal on your own.

There are a couple avenues you can take to ensure owner occupancy.

I see this in the data and also in my business: we work with a lot of relocation clients and the reasons (for moving to Milwaukee) are usually cost of living, followed by smoke (from the fires), water (droughts in the SW) or floods.

There are several HML I know that can move very quickly and allows borrowers to only put down 10% to 20% and will finance 100% of the rehab costs on 12 to 24 month loans.I would highly recommend shopping around various HML in this situation to ensure you're getting the best rates and leverage. 

Be sure that whatever structure you decide is best for you that you also understand how your business will operate to ensure that the structure or corporate veil is preserved.

With no experience in STRs yet, I’d say give yourself the best chance to win by ensuring you have enough capital to buy and invest in a property that guests will want to pay you more than everyone else for because of those decisions you made on timing and acquisition.my two cents!