@Ian Walsh, what are those markets and what do you like/dislike about them?

The great Winston Churchill said, "He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire". 

Your competition - those veteran agents, investors who want to use you,  potential  buyers who never make decisions.Wow - if I knew all this before I got my license (over 40 years ago), I'd think I would pass on it.It's nice to be a Realtor - as such it may open some doors of opportunity to you - and splash you will bits and pieces of knowledge like -How to evaluate the marketFeesAccess to you local MLS HUD contractsFHA offersConventional contractskick out clausesShort SalesWhy you dislike lenders who turn your customers down for a loanAll about underwritersHow to dress for successContinue educationAll about lead paint and other legal disclosures you have to make to stay legalWhat you don't learn in the agentn's training to get your license are -How to write an offer as a principal (with Realtors contract you only fill in the blanks)Creative Financing - Subject to existing mortgages, delayed settlements, options, joint ventures, re-fi- for take over, blank mortgagesCAP rates - essentials to know when working on income propertiesPower ProspectingContract EngineeringTax sale certificate investingProperty Inspection and AnalysisControl and Roll contractsAssignmentsFlippingWholesalingFreehabbingNegotiating investment StrategiesManagement of tenants, clients and yourselfBusiness Entities &  Tax StrategiesForeclosuresMay I suggest - the best client as an agent you can have is YOURSELF - when representing yourself - you are the client - you make the rules - you make offers - you have the freedom to work when and where and for how long - you don't need to answer to anyone as long as you are honest, make full disclosures and act as reasonable good person.As an agent if you sell a clients a building for $200,000 at 6% commission you will make .25% of that or about $3,000 (estimates only).If you controlled (not settled - only under contract with a clause to assign) a building for $90,000 and assigned your contract (wholesaling) it by private treaty or public auction for $110,000 (still below the market) you'd walk away from settlement with $20,000 - that is more than the commission as an agent on a larger property as an agent and easier without all the regulations required as an agent.Sorry for the long reply to you question and for being a little negative about being an agent - being an agent is an honorable profession, the learning curve and the hustle factor is more than some folks want to deal with.I like being a broker, but love the big pay checks that we investors earn.So sit now - interview yourself - ask questions --Where do I want to be financially in 6 months, how much money do I expect to make representing myself - $5,000 - $10,000 - $20,000?

Then go wash that hair, and you'll understand that prejudice much better.Personally, I really dislike facial hair.

I currently work in finance and do well for someone my age however, I very much dislike my job.

If you know anyone else in the area with a rental home, ask them which PM company they use (if applicable) and what they like/dislike about them.

I always disliked the per unit calculation as it did not take into consideration how efficiently the property is being run, the effect of deferred maint, satisfaction of the tenants, or desirability of the property. 

Some states dislike it more than others.

I ask this because my wife and I dislike debt but love rental properties. 

You already have your own personal likes and dislikes in people, use that as your starting point for development of your own checklist of what the fit for you should be or feel like.Rich