IMO all currency is crap and can be manipulated at the drop of a hat, so I stay away from it unless it is indirectly (stocks, housing, etc) and even those do better when they're manipulated by the government 

If you want to be involved with the actual deal making in commercial real estate accounting would be a VERY indirect path towards that end.

So, If the Triangle keeps booming, you might benefit indirectly over time. 

Benefits of renting: easier to move every few years, don't have to pay for the repairs of the house (indirectly you are through your rent).Cons of renting: you can't do what you want with the house and you are subject to what the landlord decides (they can sell, increase rent, not renew the lease).Benefits of owning: can do what you want with the house, once you retire you have very little in terms of costs since your mortgage is paid for and you have equity in the house.Cons of owning: if you move a lot, you will lose money through realtor's fees, closing costs, etc. 

As a disqualified party to your retirement plan, you cannot transact with the plan in any direct or indirect fashion.

I completely understand where @Nicole Heasley and @Wil Reichardare coming from, but after being in this biz for a decade in NYC, Baltimore and DC, there are alot of things that you are going to want to react to immediately, but must help out in an indirect manner.

Theres direct mail or online marketing to reach sellers indirectly.

Additionally, this is what I've experienced; the quality and efficiency of the PM's management will invariably be in direct proportion to how many properties are being managed. 

I have previous experience indirectly related to the field as a real estate agent in the state we will be operating in.

You never know Karma works in mysterious ways.They might have a family member that wants to sell a problem property or a friend that wants to sell or overheard an off market deal.By you being stand up and doing what others don't they will remember you.When I go to restaurants people remember me by name as I tip usually 25 to 30% for good service on the bill.It might not always appear in direct ways but good will always comes back to you.