My initial strategy is defined: buy and hold multifamily investment properties that cash flow in and around where I live, Philadelphia, PA.

Define your goals and network.

Which aspect of REI does it help with?

Consider who your target market is, what are the norms of that market, then if there are aspects that you want to avoid you'll need to provide contractual covenants to manage those undesired aspects which are legal.

I don't think it is a mistake to start alone because it let's you learn all aspects up front.

Since it appears your tenant cannot achieve this, they would not qualify for this aspect of the program.If you need further information on what your tenant wishes to do you can always contact your local Housing Authority and ask to speak with your tenants caseworker regarding the qualifications for this.Gail

I have clients in my field (Swimming Pool Repair/Maintenance) who are investors in different aspects of Real Estate.

Here are the duties that can be performed according to the FREC:Permissible Activities of an Unlicensed AssistantUnlicensed assistant is defined as support stafffor a real estate corporation or other licensed individuals.Answer the phone and forward callsFill out and submit listings and changes to any multiple listing serviceFollow-up on loan commitments after a contract has been negotiated and generally secure the status reports on the loan progressAssemble documents for closingSecure documents (public information) from courthouse, utility district, etc.Have keys made for company listings, order surveys, termite inspections, home inspections and home warranties with the.licensed employer's approvalWrite ads for approval of the licensee and the supervising broker, and place advertising (newspaper ads, update web sites, etc); prepare flyers and promotionalinformation for approval by licensee and the supervising brokerReceive, record and deposit earnest money, security deposits and advance rentsOnly type the contract forms for approval by licensee and supervising brokerMonitor licenses and personnel filesCompute commission checksPlace signs on propertyOrder items of repair as directed by licenseePrepare flyers and promotional information for approval by licensee and supervising brokerAct as a courier service to deliver documents, pick-up keysPlace routine telephone calls on late rent paymentsSchedule appointments for licensee to show a listed propertyBe at an open house for: o Security pulposeso Hand out materials (brochures)Answer questions conceming a listing from which the answer must be obtained from the licensed employer-approved printed information and is objective innature (not subjective comments)Gather information for a Comparative Market AnalysisGather information for an appraisalHand out objective, written infonnation on a listing or rental

You don't want to live in the flip project for too long (too long is defined by your market).  

Youd do well to pick a geographical market that you are working (your "farm") and systematically driving the communities and get to know every street by driving in your car first, noting where the problem activities are, etc.Then define what a "deal" would need to be for another buyer or for you to use your money and keep.