This is crucial in terms of proper investment property management.

Your time here will be well spent.Your profile is empty and there is no mention of a specific REI area of interest, so, I added the below links from three of the most popular niches for your selection of one or all.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/(7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Lived in Chicago proper for 20 years and all my life nearby.

Vet property management properly and call every company you can. 

I want to know if they can afford the rent and still meet minimum payments on their other bills.Also check with an attorney or take a Fair Housing class to ensure your rental criteria is non-discriminatory. 

All of that will have to be recorded and executed properly so there is no commingling of funds, which is one of the surest ways to pierce an LLC.

I am getting hard money to buy it and plan on then refi-ing in 6 months, how do I use the calculator properly to reflect the hard money and then the refi to analyze the deal?

I've seen first hand more than enough times couples breaking up and having to move, so I think your Girlfriend is smart to want to have the formalities in place.Since you are just starting out you might want to consider purchasing right now just as is, then having your attorney walk you through the proper way to take title of the property and form the partnership as soon as you close. 

The courts and advocacy groups would have gotten them a restraining order asap with proper evidence.

I've done a lot of home remodeling the past few years, so I'm pretty clued into what needs to go into a home to properly renovate/rehab it.