Welcome @Brian Leady glad to hear you are beginning your investing career.

No one deal is worth a career.

I've reached out on the forums a couple of times and when I get a response I also get a comment on my musical career.

What was your real estate career path?

I’ve come from a background where none of that was possible and am a career focused individual.

My job gets me down  at times, but is generally pleasant and I can justify it if it means more opportunity to set my self up for a solid art career in the medium term. -- I own a house (purchased for 495k, 540k current est. value, 2400 mortgage + insurance/taxes). 

I couldn't find an adopted opinion on this specific topic and I believe this is because the 'dry closing' is understood to be a career ending move if performed by a closing attorney (see NCGS 45A-4).

Unless a impassable deal falls in my lap, I will not be actively pursuing that until later in my RE career.

Get a local real estate agent (maybe someone that just begins his RE career and will appreciate the $$) and sign a rental listing agreement, normal commission is ONE month rent.4.

If you eventually want to make a career out of it I’d jump in with a bigger brokerage like Keller Williams to get started.