New to industry so sorry for nube question but what prevents a buyer from going over your head and getting info on property and speaking directly to your seller about a deal? 

Continuous learning is essential, and networking plays a crucial role in this industry.

Paying over retail only has in my mind one benefit or a reason to do it.. well maybe two . 

No investor is going to want to pay retail.

Perhaps one day when I know more industry professionals those deals might make sense, but for me, avoiding a big project with uncertain timelines and budgets was a huge victory.

The lack of communication from poor agents or PM's is nothing new in this industry.

When I started managing single-family rental homes back in 2009 in Augusta, GA, there was less variance in the industry (and also less services available).

What if you aren't just an engineer, but own a successful business already, yet want to be a part-time agent for MLS access (as an investor) and to get more involved in the industry? 

Where these numbers are found, there is a very high rate of rent actually being paid.We have over a dozen Fortune 500 companies just in Metro Detroit with huge Healthcare, Auto, and mortgage industry National footprints.

We would greatly appreciate any advice on promising markets, recommendations for reliable agents and lenders, as well as insights on how to proceed as newcomers to the industry.