Considering it is listed as a benefit of upgrading to pro account..

How can I help versus how can I benefit.  

And in return I think the health of the overall housing market will benefit as well. 

This approach works well for wholesalers who sell deals to flippers, and flippers or realtors can benefit even more by taking the extra step to generate their own off-market leads.No one said methods like cold calling, direct mail, or Facebook/Google ads won’t help a realtor find off-market opportunities.Just a friendly thought, especially given the high costs associated with Zillow leads.

Being a licensed agent does have it's benefits when buying.

This way I'm semi-retired working my own hours and enjoying the tax benefits of a RE professional.

Consider if it will truly benefit your tax position, liability protection, or asset management, or if it will just add unnecessary paperwork.If you’re in a state like California, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay $800 annually to the Franchise Tax Board, file a periodic Statement of Information (SOI), and submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report.It’s a good idea to consult a real estate attorney to ensure you’re making the best decision for your specific needs.

There's no benefit to starting a PM company just to manage your own investments.

Live where you want and invest where the numbers make the most sense.The benefit of living in NYC is that you hopefully make a nice salary compared to others in the country.This gives you a competitive advantage when you want to buy properties in other parts of the country.If you are investing in NYC, you are not investing for the cash-flow but the potential appreciation.I used to live in NYC(now I am a digital nomad) and I decided to invest in Florida.

Good property management can mitigate some risks and handle tenant issues more effectively.Ultimately, some investors are drawn to these markets because they see the unique long-term benefits as outweighing the challenges.