It was a little nerve racking but I know after a couple more I'll be pretty dialed and won't be nervous at all. 

I know being a first time landlord can be nerve wrecking, but if you fear you will not have positive cash flow I would suggest DIY. 

I found what I believed to be a good deal based on principles I learned here on BPI have planned on buying rental property for over ten years but never had the capitol and/or nerve until last month.  

TITLE SEARCHES are searches that examine the chain of title prior to and through the current owner, but includes searches against the current owner (in personal matters) where IRS LIENS may be missed when only relying on O&E Searches.

@Brian KelleyI am a CPA who prepares returns for hundreds of investors annually, I own and operate a series of residential & commercial properties in NJ and (until last year) in Texas, and I used to be an IRS Tax Examiner.

Before seeking a second opinion it would probably be beneficial to you to break down your investment process into smaller steps and examine each step to see if it can be done legally without a brokers license.

Here is our position from our rental criteria:RESIDENCE/RENTAL HISTORY1.We will examine the most recent five years of residence history.2.Home ownership will be verified through the tax assessors office and/or credit report.3.Rental history will be verified through the property owner and/or rental agent. 4.Rental history reflecting any unpaid past due rent, damages or fees will result in denial.5.Rental history showing excessive property damage, excessive noise, or unruly behavior will result in denial.6.Three or more notices for failure to pay rent and/or to comply with the terms of the rental agreement, within a 12 month period, will result in denial.7.Eviction or unlawful detainer action which has been resolved with full restitution may be approved with additional security deposit.One eviction only.Multiple evictions will result in denial.8.Long term rental history or home ownership is favorable.Residence history that shows an excessive number of moves within the last five years will require additional security deposit.9.If residency was out of state within the last five years, an additional fee may be necessary to conduct an out of state background check.

Re-examine that property every year and decide whether it's a good hold or whether it's now time to sell.  

I want my examination to be data driven so I can choose neighborhoods for my buy and hold investments.

Financing in place means that you discussed financing options with a lender and they have examined your financial ability and determined if they would be interested in lending to you or not.