I studied and aced my real estate exam, got on with an awesome brokerage here in Lincoln NE. and holy smokes, that is just the tip of the iceberg.

My mentor left me his home, an inherited IRA, and some brokerage money. 

I think few of them has their own brokerage firm.I just have a property redeemed by an asset manager before they put it into foreclosure auction.

My brokerage serves Northern MN and Northwestern WI.

@Othman Zizi Following the NAR settlement the way brokerage fees are earned and who is responsible varies transaction to transaction.

I would actually suggest you spend that money to get your real estate license and hang your license with an e-brokerage. 

Also, Billy Deese is a brokerage so you can learn that side of the business.

At that point I might be considered to be engaging in brokerage with my role reduced to a "lead generator" for my contacts/employers, the Buyers, who are essentially paying me a finders fee.

I am an agent for a brokerage whose line of work is EXACTLY what this post says.

There are a lot of other nuance, but thats the gist.I would recommend you find an agent that works with investors and can help you through these issues.In terms of meetups, my brokerage (Wayfinder Homes) hosts one every month in WS - Triad Real Estate Entrepreneurs Meetup.