It is a good way to save some money but may be too time consuming. 

The podcasts are great.. how does she best consume content?

More choices for consumers is usually good.

Joshua Lyon : Not clear from your statement whether you knew ahead of time that this was an international wire transfer.This FDIC page may be a good start on what your protections are and what to do now in that case:https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnsum13/sending-money-abroad.htmlIn any case, you should file a “complaint” with the FTC and request a cancellation of the transfer from the banking institution on your end (this will not get your money back, but it’s a step you need to take.)There was a lawsuit brought up by First American Title against a real estate agent who allegedly failed to secure his email account.

You can still find some but they are becoming fewer and fewer. 

I also understand that banks might be more willing to deal at the end of the quarter or year - the fewer properties on their books, the better for their balance sheet.

Sellers often prefer Conventional to FHA loans since there are fewer quality requirements to sell to the buyer (aka you)Go get 'em!

Real Estate can't consume my life (yet).

It's actually quite interesting that typically the folks with the most transactions under their belt are the folks that you as a consumer have the least contact with, and the least experienced folks are the ones you have the most contact with.

The minimum rent shall be increased by the annual percentage increase in the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, Midwest Region All Items, as of October 31 of each year times the prior years annual minimum rent.