And whatever the end goal is, you should align your decisions to that. 

Building a trusted team whose goals are aligned with yours is vital.I'm happy to pay it forward and to discuss further and share my experiences both good and bad with anyone reading the post.

I will also be marketing the properties for re-sale and getting contracts aligned, setting up closings etc.

For example, if you have little cash, lots of free time, and decent people skills, then maybe educate yourself and get started with wholesaling because those align well with that method. 

and make decisions from there if it is something that aligns with your goals of learning the business and making money. 

My question is if a person becomes an agent do they not have to be aligned with an agency?

Keep your interest aligned. 

Additionally, there are other opportunities I refer to as fail safes which can include DST's and TICs both of which, assuming you align yourself with the correct person or company, will often provide a better rate of return than you can receive yourself.

That sounds like awesome goals and its great that it aligns with your passions. 

It was like the stars aligned and I think he could be a great contact.