Almost all are trying to get REO listings as that is what is selling in most markets not regular resales which are expiring or withdrawn.Until you close you don't get paid a commission so taking overpriced junk that won't sell is a waste of time.So you will find many new agents getting REO's as the government pushes small business and diversification to minorities etc.The asset companies want to look good with the government and in compliance.So if I am a new agent struggling to survive and I have a 100k REO most likely the commission total is 5%.The reo broker gets 2 to 2.5.The buyers broker co-op is at 2.5 to 3.0.That new agents is likely on a 60/40 split with their broker.So 90k offers at 2% is 1,800 commission and then agents gets 60% after cut with their broker 1,080.Actually it's way less than this when you count in other fees too long to mention here.ORA buyer where you get 5% of 90k = 4,50060% of 4,500 = 2,700 to the new agent!!

Want to add a new state or two for diversification purposes.  

It's commonly called a diversification exchange.  

Andrew currently resides in Washington DC.We are now at a point where the meat of our business is in need of some diversification and REI seems to be calling our name.

The point I'm making (likely inelegantly) is that I do get diversification from doing it.However, so much of this depends on your tax rate today, if you care about diversification, etc.  

Warren Buffet is also quoted as saying, "Diversification is protection against ignorance.

1) Diversification is smart 2) People smarter than me can compare historical returns of equities vs RE. 

Hopefully, judgement and advice from this forum will allow me to narrow it down to a single choice so i'm very eager to hear from you all;1 - A slow start at a small scale (cash)a) Move in late October, applying for a bank account and small credit cards where feasible to build a credit history. b) Buy a simple and turnkey 3BR single-family to househack for ~ 100k in my own cash (Such as [1.i]), while transplanting or recreating my exterior cleaning business (1.ii).c) As soon as any lender would allow, exit through whatever HELOC/mortgage on the house I could secure in order to buy a new one again in cash, and repeat until a 'normal' lending process is offered.With only the taxes, insurance, maintenance, capital expenditures, and vacancies to account for at first and with room rentals in the area going for around 500-600/month, this seems to be a soft and forgiving method to land, and will become the backup plan regardless of my chosen path.PROS:*Eliminates FICO scores, lender/underwriter scrutiny, and credit history as potential barriers;*Least risky due to small total investment;*Least complicated process, and;*Lowest initial ongoing expenses.CONS:*No leverage - Stuck for a prolonged period before continuation;*No diversification - All eggs in one basket until refinancing;*Effort, risk, and expense of starting a temporary small business, and;*Loan ability throttled by self-employment.

Plus I'm not a huge fan of diversification anyway (but that's another story).

So you get additional diversification benefits right there.