I’ve identified when I want to buy and am now focused on reverse-engineering the steps needed to execute confidently and efficiently.What I’ve done so far:-Saved for down payment and closing costs-Actively building cash reserves-Funds parked in a HYSA to season-Drafted crystal-clear buy criteria (to be finalized once buying power is confirmed)-Focused heavily on education:-Various REI podcasts-The Multifamily Millionaire Vol. 1-The Book on Rental Property Investing-Rich Dad Poor DadNext up: The Book on Managing Rental Properties and 90 Days to Your First Investment-Recently became a BiggerPockets Pro member-Planning to join my local REIA nextNext steps I’m planning:-After the holidays, get pre-qualified with a local lender-Use that to establish a ballpark understanding of buying power-At the appropriate time, complete the pre-approval process (understanding the 90-day window)-Build out my team (agent and vendors) so I’m ready to move decisively once I begin making offersWhere I’d love advice from the community:Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval-For an FHA house hack targeting a June–July purchase, is getting pre-qualified early enough for meaningful planning, or should certain steps wait until I’m within 90 days and pre-approved?

If the lease says no pooping allowed and poops are repeatedly left behind, what is the process in Chicago to use this as grounds for eviction?

I am simply trying to understand what practical steps a purchaser can take to either move the process forward or recover funds when repeated bankruptcy suggestions are filed without any identifiable federal bankruptcy case. 

My focus is on: Buy & hold rentals (SFH and small multifamily)Occasional light-to-moderate rehabClean numbers, conservative leverage, long-term holds  What I’m really looking for: Transparent terms (no surprise fees)Lenders who actually close and fund on timeFair DSCR requirements and clear underwritingGood communication throughout the process  I’m not looking for ads — I’d really appreciate first-hand experiences: Who have you personally used?

For those who’ve sold notes before, what documents or information should sellers have ready to make the process smoother and faster?

When you understand where these conflicts originate, you can build simple systems that prevent them before they escalate.It’s also important to recognize and understand the normal dispute-resolution process for real estate when the landlord is on the wrong side of landlord tenant disputes and the process and expense of accessing the landlords personal bank account. 

I leave a lot of funds on the table for the tax man and being able to benefit from the STR "loophole" to offset my w2taxable income would supercharge my RE investments  My fear with STR  is if I buy a property only to find the STR licensing process is essentially going to lead to a denial. 

Scaling is more about money, processes and people.If you are talking about land trusts, sounds like you are listening to too many gurus. 

That being said, I'd like to offer a few considerations which I'm not looking for answers but genuinely want to provide you with my though process.

Thank you for your help in saving hundreds of dollars in legal fees for the first step in the process!