That is part of the problem with a lot of companies (I am not knocking insula as dont have all the info/facts just stating how the business works), they engage brokers to get them loans and the brokers collect a small fee. unfortunately many of the brokers may be similar to real estate wholesalers - have little to no experience. 

Let's say you're paying 3 points and 12% to a real shark. 

I am a licensed CA real estate agent and need MLS access only to look for my own deals.

You both have W2 jobs - so you're likely not a Real Estate Professionals - so these losses will be passed on until they can be deducted from other passive income in the future.

It also gave me the chance to experiment with short-term rentals before transitioning to a long-term hold, reinforcing my strategy for growing a real estate portfolio.

As someone who is new to real estate, I'm thinking of being a bird dog for investors (although I haven't found any to work with me yet ) until I learn more of real estate. 

@Chris LauerRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

🎉 Congrats to you and your husband on taking the leap into real estate investing!

What I know is that for doing tangible real estate projects, a Spanish SL is needed as a working entity that holds the asset on its balance.

I just got my Real Estate license and am pretty happy to have passed on the first try.