I am wondering if this area has scope for home appreciation in the future and whether houses are rented easily? 

Interest rates are trending lower across the board. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now approaching 6.25%, while the 10-year Treasury yield has dipped to 4.02%—a notable decline driven by a flight to safety...

There are some platforms now that let you take your deal to multiple lenders easily with, say, one unified OM with all the key details, but you still often fall prey to changing requirements and new docs that Lender A forgot to mention, etc., once you're in the process.

Turnkey can easily go sideways and become a lot more active than you might be expecting.

Is a trip to the area required or should I be able to switch Property Managers from afar fairly easily?

He’d then work on;y with buyers whose criteria was to buy “great” deals; who had cash ready or financing easily lined up, and who we’d motivate to move fast.  

My clients bought one that was four bedrooms with a den (just needs a closet) and a loft area (which could easily be converted). 

Even smaller rehabs can easily take 90–120 days from purchase to resale when you factor in inspections, permits, contractor schedules, and unexpected issues.

Over time, as you document more deals with solid numbers and good financial organization, you’ll find that doors open more easily with both private and hard money lenders.Keeping clean, well organized books for each property goes a long way toward building that credibility.

It's not a matter of luck but having an understanding of the local laws, neighborhoods, and connecting with the right people (building your team) to leverage their expertise.Since you currently live in Illinois, and unless you work remotely & can easily relocate, it's probably best to keep searching for a decent property to house hack to take advantage of owner occupant financing.