When you say "we," are you speaking about your business or your personal tax returns, or does your business flow into your personal returns because you file as a sole proprietor?  

In south Florida, there are a ton of free RE networking events where contractors, agents, mortgage brokers, etc all meet for drinks etc and I have found this to be a great way to find good people in the business.

Not sure about MTRs.My general conclusion was that it is tough to do business in the town if your goal is to buy property as pure rentals out the gates and no intention to occupy.

As a landlord, you are representing yourself to the public as a business. 

I have experience investing (own 2 STRs and an assisted living home+business).

Operating your rental like a business is mandatory to protect you, your ROI, and your property.Hope this helps...

With an LLC, you may be able to deduct business expenses more effectively and avoid double taxation.

You can put your license in referral at most brokerages and pay no fees and still be able to do referral business.

I only pay for BP leads and all other business comes from my sphere/referrals. 

You rent it for one year and create a successful STR business that shows a trailing 12 month net income of $75,000.