I am hoping that in some way my current skill set can be a way for me to network and interact with some people in the real estate invesment circles.  

A brokerage is fine if your non-traditional investments will not be overly interactive - such as the occasional note, syndicated deal, crowdfund, etc. 

Some resources I would suggest:Read Brandon Turner's book on rental property investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/rental-investing-digitalListen to the BP Real Estate podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastListen to the BP money podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshowAttend local REI events https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happeningsStart analyzing deals to get practice and check out the  BP calculatorsKeep interacting and engaging with others on the BiggerPockets forumsAll the best,

My first priority is to ensure that my investors, network partners, and suppliers get real value from interacting with me.

Yes I do realize I still need to manage all the non PM parts and those are actually the aspects I enjoy more.. just wondering what renter interaction will I need to do as a landlord, even after shelling out for PM.

I haven't interacted with him personally but I've always appreciated the quality of his responses on the forums.

I was a little apprehensive about posting but I want to get involved in the discussions and start interacting with people that have successfully pulled off what I'm looking to accomplish.

I have interacted with many of these folks who hit me with PM on BP.. 

I would love to hear about any interactions you all have had with hard money lenders and what I should expect.

I also love the idea of meeting all the occupants and seeing how the parents and children interact at the showing."