Are there any real-estate agents (specific people) or websites
or publications in Chicago that specialize in "fixer-upper" type
homes?

I need to find something that will keep an energetic retiree
and 1 or 2 helpers busy for 6-12 months, and turn out
a moderate profit. This is someone looking to stay active
and make some extra disposable income rather than a "get
rich quick" situation.

I'm hoping that there is a specialized resource for this,
so as to not have to sift through thousands of general home
listings to find candidate properties.

Thanks.

ATR --

Having done this in the Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhood, my
recommendation would be to pick your neighborhood and work with a real
estate agent there.  Those who specialize in "distressed" properties
don't seem to find value any better (though they can find the worst
cases of distress).

Choosing the neighborhood makes for convenience to you; gives you a
very good idea of price ranges in advance; gives you some idea of
insurance costs; and provides some sense of what local trends or
issues are.  Plus, you'll know how far away the local lumber store is
. . .

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

If you search "real estate and Chicagoland" you find
http://www.sellinchicago.com which is a website of a Realtor who
offers fix up properties that are suitable to buy fix and "flip".  I
have worked with her and can attest to her hard work.