Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

Definitely get a title company/closing attorney involved. 

Costs involved in cash purchase: purchase price, rehab, commission to both agents (unless off market), insurance, and........?

I've been researching, these last three days, but there is so much information and diverse opinions I feel lost.  

Use it to quickly assess properties and estimate renovation costs, which will help you make smart offers.Join Local Real Estate Groups: Get involved in local investment groups.

That said, it's surprising to see a lack of diverse competition in this space.

But if you want low cost, but still have access to that then it's great, as well as all the pyramid scheme programs involved with it :)Personally, I'll agree with @Dan Guenther, that the actual brokerage won't make a huge difference, it is more about who you surround yourself with.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

The biggest issue is that you'll be representing yourself, which means you are emotionally involved.

Going to find seller financing deals with 0-10%, finding limited partners who want to double their money in 2-3 years and cover all cost, pure sweat equity.If i close on a multifamily thats worth $1m now, 10% down seller financing so bank isn't involved, after value add it's worth $1.5m, that's a 5x on cash.