Among real estate I own a wholesale distribution company, a contruction brokerage business, and act as a venture capitalist in my small town eco system.

The Midwest can't attract quality jobs fast because there is little or no infrastructure/ecosystems needed for high-growth, high-paying jobs. 

Just because you are now Financially free from REI doesn't mean you should stop being a Doctor, Dentist, etc.What it means is that you have the CHOICE of stopping or even scaling back your current profession.What it also means is that because you don't NEED the job, the stress from your job melts from your shoulders and you can now enjoy what you spent most of your life trying to do.You will even be healthier because of the lack of stress!

As an "outsider" it just was just hard for me to wrap my head around given that the base ecosystem largely functions like a "single employer" (if you will) for the micro-area.  

I've bought a couple deals from wholesalers, and it works out, but when I see the assignment fee that I'm paying, it just makes sense that I should go out and find my own deals--I'll have way more equity and my portfolio will be way healthier in terms of profitability and equity.There's a lot that goes into finding one's own deals--marketing for the leads, following up with the leads, getting them under contract. 

There is a whole ecosystem of service providers who facilitate this.

If your agent specializes in investment properties, then he/she should have an ecosystem of investment related professionals that could help you out.

A good agent can think like an investor and if he is an investor himself, he probably has an ecosystem of investor-friendly lawyers/lenders/etc.

And the same personal that trades in 20-unit apartments likely doesn’t work the duplex ecosystem...and vice versa...

This will keep you healthier and prolong the lifespan of the system.