One thing I can recommend, since you are a contractor, is to document the projects that you work on.. these can start build up your track record, show the results and your knowledge of the renovation process (which is essential for Flips and BRRRR).Lastly, based on your financial situation, more conventional financing might be a good idea to get the ball rolling. 

Both lenders, particularly the conventional mortgage lender want the borrower/buyer to have personal capital “skin in the game” invested in the transaction3. 100% financing, if obtainable, usually result in negative cash flow, which means capital out of pocket from the owner each monthThat being said, “nothing down” purchases are done, but this depends on the definition of “nothing down”.

It depends on how you measure "deals are better"  Some of the measures access to entertainment & access to business corridors which results in low vacancy rates.

My question; the current market being what it is.. has made it very difficult to find a duplex and to match offers.

As a wholesaler, landlord, and very rare flipper, I can say going this route gets results.

Cash purchases should be avoided, you will loose credibility with your partner.A cash withdrawal from the company account might be broken out for small supply purchases, for example, or copying a key, but each purchase must be verified with the receipt; receipts will match the total cash withdrawal.  

If so, with what results? 

Utility companies normally let tenants get pretty far behind before the landlord is notified- if the utility company puts a lien on the property for unpaid bills, it is better to have closer control over the bills- If there is a water leak or other problem with the property, the tenant doesn't have to bear the costDisadvantages of having utilties in owner names:- If tenants start using a lot more water/power, it is more difficult to quickly adjust rent or get them to conserve- with pandemic or other freezes on rent or evictions, there is no recourse for utility increases- if the tenant qualifies for low income utility pricing, it has to be in their nameOnce you decide what your guiding principle is, you can align your current rental agreement to match.

I have seen mixed forum posts on the Pocono area, so I am curious if Airdna matches up with the results that most of you are seeing.

These figures vetted these numbers on the Bigger Pockets calculator as well and got a similar result, but wanted to share on the forum to get additional feedback on any additional line items/nuances particular to Chicago: Property is a duplex (each 3 bed, 1 bath) in Little Village and listed for $249,900Down payment (FHA Loan @ 3.5%): $8,800Closing Costs: $7,494Monthly Income: $1,200 per unit (so $2,400/month)Monthly Expenses: $2,370 (see below for details on expenses) Assuming 30yr mortgage at 3.8%, mortgage: $1,124/monthProperty taxes (2.1% for state of IL): $440/monthPMI (FHA Loan): $104/monthInsurance: $150/monthCapEx (5% of rents): $120/monthVacancy (5% of rents): $120/monthRepairs (8% of monthly rents): $192/monthMaintenance (5% of monthly rents): $120/monthBased on these numbers my conclusion is that this wouldn't be a good deal since cashflow is barely positive.