As he noted, if you call some of the mainstream custodians they will say they allow for self-direction but they mean that in the literal sense of doing what you want with the securities and investment options on their platforms, which are traditional investments like stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc.  

Listing brokers often represent both sides, and walk a dual agency line.Clearly this could be contradictory to the protections that the US legal system is attempting to provide.

You may need to look at non-agency or portfolio loans.

I’m an experienced property manager/licensed real estate agent trying to develop a proposal for my management fees for starting an STR branch for a big name agency.

I know I will only recoup about 60% per my property managers collection agency.

Agency loan processing at 5.5% fixed interest rate.

I have had a huge interest in real estate, specifically, investing (BRRR, short-term rentals) and most recently in developing (I realize developing is a more "advanced" strategy).I'm thinking I should hustle and reach out to real estate agencies, in hopes of snagging an entry-level job or part-time gig to learn the ropes and build relationships with local investors.

The anchor tenant in the property was a state agency whose lease was ending, and they were moving to a new location.

There really isn't "conventional" financing for 5+ (Agency Multifamily is a different ballgame / product class) - so 5% not available

I recommend Redfin agency and for all your real estate Capital for project's needs