If you read up on it minimally, you would probably come to the conclusion that it makes no sense to pay someone to do what you can easily (and cheaply) do yourself.I recommend this, not because it's better than REI, but because (1) it is an alternative and/or (2) it is a pretty decent place to leave your money while you wait for your next deal.  

It really helps me to be as specific as possible when setting a goal.

(I'll list some books below that are great to start with) Joining your local REIA is a GREAT way to get into the world of investing for your specific area.

Send them a flyer with the specifics of the house.

AllIt looks like there are a number of people from illinois and specifically near the fox valley region!  

I am looking, specifically, at using the 203(k) loan program through FHA for my first home purchase, and I am doing research as to what exactly that process would entail, or whether there might be a better option for rehabbing my own first purchase, post-closing.I live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, and am originally a native of Baltimore, MD.

To this end, I will have multifamily designs that  I will execute in specific markets as a proof of concept, for both the viability of construction, as well as my ability to manage and maintain a multifamily asset. 

Main difference is I'm about 8 years earlier than you on the real estate journey line.If you see me at the Meetup @Kevin Fox mentioned, please do say Hi ... or feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions you think I could help with - I'm by no means the longest running B&H investor here, but can provide plenty of opinions and actuals data based on various types of property in the area south of 52, north of 94, and west of La Mesa.Good luck!  

Would love to hear more about your experience in general; specifically though with your experience buying from overseas (buying long distance) and managing those properties long distance.

What are your specific goals for the property?