I think you have to pay 100$ for reports for other municipalities. 

I can pull a HELOC on my investment property in KY, pay outright with cash or finance through the installation company.

Sure got their attention.Your  agent should be in your corner so push for information - - tell'm "I'm paying you to keep me informed".In the end, there's  just no way to see/find such information.

Maybe there are some things that i should pay more attention to, anything I should consider/calculate upfront which for other investments is not necessary?

Hi @Irving Rivera - I think the old saying that "You get what you pay for" holds true in real estate investing too.I think Chicago neighborhoods like Garfield Park are great IF you have the right team and MOST IMPORTANTLY THE RIGHT TEAM COSTS $$$. 

Quote from @Dale Line: It absolutely can be.

To add insult to injury, every company I’ve asked for a quote based on the quote I got from the first vendor, wants me to pay another several hundred dollar service fee to come out and look at it themselves.

Can you save more or get it so you are at 20% down and therefore don't have to pay PMI?

65% of your success is the list, not the letter.I totally disagree with Jonathan about saying you will not lowball.You will, and then you look stupid.Unless you are a realtor and can offer listing solutions, I would say you will NOT pay full retail so you don't get all the calls of worthless leads that want full retail.The only reason to do this is if you are a rookie and want practice talking to people.Easier and cheaper practice is to go to craigslist or facebook marketplace and call landlords that are renting and ask them to buy.Your letter is fine, if you find a motivated seller, they will call.

I know HUD only contributes $1,500 towards a junior lien settlement, but if the junior lien holder does not want to settle would HUD allow the buyer  to pay off the junior lien out of their own pocket?