Attend your local REI meetups to build up a strong network and feel free to reach out and connect with everyone in the community.

Getting a license to become a loan officer seems to be a great entry point to enter the industry while I build up my real estate network from scratch.

Your calculations are spot on  I just had a bid on a Hud  property which turned out to be a unusual email from Chronos  The home was under contract and the buyer left the water on or there was a leak and caused about $10,000 in damage (according to Hud) They migrated some of the damage pressured tested the water and it was back on market I bid a net of $171,000 or so to net (list price was $195) and received an email from Chronos that the minimum acceptable bid was $171, 321   i was able to up my bid to the acceptable amount and now have it under contract This was the first time Chronos  directly intervened in a bid The only bad thing is I am only allowed to activate the electricity and not the water and gas Also cash is an option on the contract and they treat hard money as cash   Electronic signatures are also acceptable goodbye blue ink 

Since my main profession is office management for a residential remodeling company, would flipping to build up more capital be a better place to start?

You may not get 100% economic benefit, but you'll earn a ton in experience and build up your track record.Think of the long game, and don't get stuck on the economics of a partnership.

If you can take on another job or work more hours to build up some savings you can get a primary residence with little to no down payment if you can find the programs in your area. 

As far as the lender goes, if I'm buying properties that qualify for conventional loans does it really make a difference if I build up a relationship with a specific bank vs just shopping around each time I buy a new property?

However, most give just enough to keep you wanting more and keep your ink pen pressed against the checkbook.

Sometimes you can tell because of rust staining and buildup on the outside of such affected pipes,   but even without that they can be weakened considerably from their original state.On the drain side galvanized branch drains  (1.25 through 2" galvanized pipes)  can also rust out or clog up as the rust on the inside is very rough and catches hair, grease,  and other debris and will eventually need aggressive rootering,   which if the pipes have rusted enough may open up holes in them.I should note CAST IRON (hub and bell) old sewer pipe,  at least the 3" and 4" stuff seems to have a bit longer lifespan than galvanized steel;  it still rusts but doesn't crumble and flake and encourage blockages like steel does,   so an old house with a cast 4" sewer stack you may be fine for many decades more if you just replace all the branch lines going into it but leave the main stack.   

with that said, though - it's much more difficult to build up significant passive income from nothing but traditional long term rentals, especially with rates and prices so high, than advertised.so - should you get started?