As much as investors tend to complain about realtors, I'd strongly suggest that YOU need one since you sound very new to the game.

It's a numbers game for certain so the more you see the quicker you'll be able to identify a good deal.

The MFM group is a machine that churns out many people looking to become MF investors.If you are interested in learning more about commercial RE, not just MF, there are many online virtual meetups as well which can give you a lot more exposure than just your local market for in person events.There are also other, more affordable, options to continue your education rather than paying a large amount for a mentorship program right away.Happy to share these with you if interested.

Has anyone used REI Game Changers?

I can to share my experience with a solution that has been a game-changer for us.

The property owner always loses while the arbiter has no skin in the game at all, just skimming profits off of the owner and can walk away any time they want without reprocussions. 

Issue two is that because it is essentially a game of telephone, there are delays and many misunderstandings. 

I’ve been in the real estate investing game for over 20 years, primarily focusing on the Tampa Bay area.

For this one, I'd say a fix/flip is definitely the "easier" way of getting into the game vs. new build but it still has its pros/cons.

No one last that long in the game unless maybe Kris is only 25 YO or something