However, I think for the average person this is probably not true. 

Grocapitus had an ephipany about industry standards? 

We believe that we are lowering risk, increasing the average expected return, and leaving the upside unchanged.   

There was an article published in Sept 2024 that showed the average consumer would save over $10,000 by working with a broker vs a direct lender over the life of their loan. 

Per this NY Times article, the average American knows around 600 people.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/science/the-average-american-knows-how-many-people.html#:~:text=The%20average%20American%20knows%20about,do%20you%20know%20named%20Kevin%3FPer the US Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 time in their life, which based upon an approximate lifespan of 84 years, works out to be about every 7 years.https://www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html#:~:text=Using%202007%20ACS%20data%2C%20it,one%20move%20per%20single%20yearSo, if the average American knows 600 people and they each move about every 7 years, that means that the average American knows around 85 people that move in any given year.How many of those moves do you want to be involved in?

Starting from my backyard I'm looking to connect with some vets in the industry and familiar to the area/market.

It is a better place to invest because of the college and local industry.

Usually how many average starter homes 1800 SF - 2000 SF homes can you develop after driveways etc.

ASSET BASED LENDINGNote: Hard money is defined as average loan size under $2M, average loan hold duration under 2 years, and not a bank. 

Quote from @Joy Daniels: As a short-term property manager I've seen how this industry changes so often—new guest trends, tech tools, and regulations seem to pop up all the time.