Real Estate Agent/investing in central Maine

[Joshua Shepherd]

I am currently a project manager with a construction company and I am just around the corner from making an offer on a property to get started in investing.  I have studied several areas in central Maine and feel there are several properties that could be a great deal, but would like to know how other investors have been fairing in the Waterville/Augusta/Mid-Coast Maine area. I am always open to partnering with someone who has been experienced in this area of our market. 

I have also recently been thinking a lot about getting my real estate license. I am looking to utilize all the tools I can to get the best deal I can and I am wondering how much of an upper hand do you have as a real estate agent when going and getting or finding deals?? Does this help expedite the buying process being an agent yourself? I was wondering how long this process can take (getting licensed) with the online course that is offered in this area? I have found it a little difficult up to this point in finding a good real estate agent to work with and someone who is experienced in investing and knows the market. Thanks for any feedback.