Many investors use wholesalers or real estate agents who specialize in investment properties, or they directly target owners with distressed properties.5.

While I haven’t chosen a specific niche yet, I’m leaning toward purchasing a multi-unit apartment where my 20-year-old son could live and help manage while we rent out the other units—essentially a form of house-hacking.So far, I’ve connected with a few real estate agents and gained MLS access, which has been a great starting point.

as others have stated, if a RE agent does not believe they can sell the property, find a different agent that believes they can sell the property.  

Real estate agents are not highly regulated in Costa Rica as opposed to North America.  

. $7k sounds more reasonable but I think setting 5 to 10 years for you and your sister to reach Financial Independence and quit W2 job (assuming you also have W2 job unless you own a business or are a real estate agent) is really challenging.

Quote from @Jonathan Grzeszczyk: David Greene has a series (Sold, Skilled, Scale) that teaches agents how to run their business like a business.

Sometimes agents do it because they don't know any better, are order takers, or make a mistake.  

From google: “The Fair Housing Act (FHA) does not apply to certain types of rentals, including: Owner-occupied buildings: If the building has four or fewer units and is owned by the person who lives there Single-family homes: If the owner rents or sells the home without using a real estate agent, and they own no more than three homes Religious organizations: If the property is only available to members of the organization's religion Private clubs: If the property is only available to members of the club Senior housing: If the property is designated for people who are at least 55 years old Even if a property is exempt from the FHA, it must still comply with the law's ban on discriminatory statements, notices, or advertising.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Selling makes agents money and the IRS if you don''t 1031, it's almost always better to re-leverage instead.