Start focusing on what niche you want to go and really learn all you can there.

Focus on mismanaged 6–20 units where you can bump income with leases, utilities, and light turns, not heavy rehabs.

In Chicago, you cannot deny someone housing based on immigration status, so focusing your screening on income and ability to pay is both fair and compliant.To avoid any confusion down the line, it’s a good idea to update your written rental criteria to reflect that applicants without an SSN or ITIN can still qualify by providing sufficient proof of income and supporting documentation.

Some key things to focus on:How depreciation worksWhat counts as deductible expensesHow interest, repairs, and rehab are treatedHow refinancing can give you tax-free moneyAs for FasterFreedom, they’re popular and helpful for beginners, but it’s always smart to cross-check what you hear with objective sources.If you want more structured guidance, I can point you to free, easy-to-follow resources that break down real estate taxes in a way that's easier to understand.

Which markets are you focusing on?

I could easily offer a 5.75% for a lot less than 3 points but they get laser focused on the rate they miss all the junk fees, and broker fees, and origination charges, and points.To your point though, speed is important, but even more important than that, to me, is actual ability to close. 

For your team:Attorney: I’d prioritize someone who does RE closings in Kingston/Catskill every week and is comfortable with inspection/contingency issues on older properties.CPA: Local is a plus but not mandatory, what matters most is that they’re real-estate focused and understand NY rules, depreciation, entity options, and how this first property fits into a longer-term portfolio.Bank: Call a couple of local/community banks and ask specifically about how many investment property loans they do and whether they keep loans in-house.When you’re interviewing anyone, I’d ask, “How many small investors like me do you work with, and what do you wish they asked you before buying their first deal?”

A lot of investors I know focus on small multis or starter SFRs there — they cash flow better and don’t require “luxury” upgrades to move. 

It’s wild what can happen when you stay focused and keep showing up.Making the right connections is everything in this business.

Property and price are the two things that matter most and what you should spend most of your time and money focusing on.