If you want to learn more about real estate and make some additional income, becoming an agent can be a great way to do that.  

Additionally, what’s a realistic amount of capital needed to get started?

Marketing material from commercial brokers in all 50 states, for all sorts of NNN, isn't useful, and you aren't going to really get insights until you narrow your focus a bit.Starbuck is a nice easy thing to watch b/c they are all over and, since Americans have largely replaced their trans fat addition (McDonalds, Burger King) with a sugary caffeine addition (Starbucks), it's likely going to do well for a few decades. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

When I asked the point of contact for additional information (contract, copy of earnest money check, bank account verification) , they went silent.

But you could say something along the lines of this in your lease;"If the monthly gas bill exceeds $X or the water bill exceeds $Y, the tenant will reimburse the landlord for the difference as an additional charge."

In addition to using your own funds, have you looked into securing grants to "stack" the capital you have to still acquire properties?

In addition, we’ve listed all of our properties on the Aya Healthcare housing page to directly advertise to their network.

Additionally, don’t overlook CoreVest or Patch of Land, which offer competitive terms and may align with your needs.Good luck with your new venture!

If you use a property manager, you'll need at least 50 rentals to cover the additional expenses.