The northland MAREI meeting and the main monthly meeting at MAREI have a minimal fee, or for $99 a year you can attend all of them for no extra charge - northland is in person, the main meeting is still online, both are great ways to connect and learn. 

As far as whether to approach them with or without an agent - approaching them directly without an agent can save the seller probably 2.5-3% of fees, which give you some room to negotiate on the price, but you need to be confident that you are capable of evaluating the property value, estimating on the amount of work that is needed, knowing how to negotiate/ structure the deal, and navigating the closing process.

So long as your original fee to open the account is booked as a personal contribution to your business and all the transactions are business-related, it seems like your best solution until you get back stateside.

What costs/fees should I look out for?

@Edreco AmosMiami’s market can be tricky for cash flow since condo fees and insurance costs can eat into your profits, especially with newer buildings or those near the water.

This is their full time job and they collect a fee but are still able to pass along strong deals to end buyers.

I was delighted with their service and be happy to do a introduction for you to my contact manager (I am not associated with the company nor do I receive a referral fee).No business cards but line of credit yes.Revolving LOC? 

Spend a year learning and going to meetups before you fork over a $50-$100k franchise fee and half of your profits and don't even know what you are doing.

@Orlando Johnson- If you were going with 6% real estate agent fees the $12,500 number is incorrect. 

@Jerry Zigounakis For your STR in Big Bear, forming a CA LLC is ideal for liability protection, even with the $800 annual franchise tax and possible gross receipts fees.