I’m not asking for handouts, just guidance and insight from people who’ve already walked the path.If you’re open to mentoring in any capacity, answering questions occasionally, or just connecting, I’d really appreciate it.

I'd be happy to connect, most of my clients are out of state investors, some of whom are single family investment buyers, especially in Clay/Cicero but occasionally Fayetteville.

You'll occasionally see some people raise extra and use the money from that raise to pay people's returns, which ultimately decreases returns.

Tenants care more about price, location, and amenities than occasional train noise, and in Midwest markets, you can often get solid rent on these properties without higher vacancy.

There are also occasionally normal private sellers who list properties on there as well but that isn't as common.

Hoarding issues, significant leak issues, grease soaked draperies dangerously near the stovetop, windows inoperable, electrical panel hidden behind mounds of stored items, and, ultimately, resulting in a costly, formal, eviction process, followed by a full gut and reno including the grounds.Or, you prep to market and attract the top Tenants for the price tier your property sits in, clearly communicating to them that this is a business, and these are the expectations we have for you; moving them in with a well documented process to a fully functioning, attractive, and clean unit with modern finishes; it is inspected annually and any "repair" or "preventative" issues are addressed promptly, as are the rare service calls; rent rates are reviewed each year immediately after inspecting the unit, and decisions are made, notices sent out, either "no change" or change based on actual comps, or, occasionally, Non-Renewal.

Or do rates double or triple that occasionally to allow for 10% vacancy? 

The towing company checks periodically and tows cars that are 1) parked illegally 2) parked in resident parking without a resident sticker or 3) appear to be abandoned because they have not moved in several weeks.Are their problems occasionally? 

But if you’re only driving occasionally or testing the strategy, a low-cost setup (Google Maps pins + notes + county records) may make more sense.A really helpful way to explore the different options out there are by watching YouTubers who actually drive for dollars.

I've found that by analyzing lots of deals it's often possible to still find a good one occasionally where the numbers work.