I do RE part time and I'm still able to find off market deals. 

A real estate agent has to have a real estate license to do RE transactions.

Right now, I work about 20-30 hours, so I have plenty of time to do RE.

I also do RE investing but currently, OOS.

Neither are in Chicago, but they both are very good and do RE syndications all over the country.

My thought process: 1) First, read about 50 books on RE and make sure it is something you want to pursue2) Talk to (on phone, PM, whatever) about their business, what their day is like, etc. 3) Start trying to put together some deals4) Once you're there, bring in a coachPaying $50k to a coach when #1: you don't know if you even want to do RE...and #2: you don't fully understand it...is a waste of time. 

Although I work in biopharmaceuticals and do RE as a fun personal thing on the side, I'll be doing some low 7-figure multi family deals in the near future.

That said, I found it much easier to have a good W2 job and do RE on the side, buying 1-2 properties per year, every year. 

No one is going to care for/about your properties as much as you do.  Relying

If you’re looking to do RE investing, his advice is still great, and I’ll add this: if you have someone who will partner with you, I can show you how to acquire a property for a lower down payment and get most if not all of your renovation costs financed.