getting tighter but things may be changing soon depending on what the new prez does.  

Most banks won't want to come in with a line of credit that is second lien on the property.

depending on how backed up the county is it can e take a few months for court date. in essex county it took my mother in law about 8 months or so for the full process. she had an attorney, not sure if that sped anything up

Welcome and congratulations on embarking on your real estate journey!

Maybe I’m wrong but I had to do that on our STR (Ring) and Wyze also requires close proximity on initial setup.

Does anyone in the field have any advice or insight on the business to beginners?

I'm trying to keep it simple this year and concentrating on my "one thing" making good old Garry proud.  

Your investment property - This you could do a 1031 exchange on and buy another property you intend to use for investment. 

I’m glad you were able to move on without signing, shows the agent understands/is a good guy/gal, or knows other firms wouldn’t require such a signature. 

(The Black Friday sale on the Bigger Pockets bookstore was where I did my own Christmas shopping so my family knew what to ‘buy’ for me!).