6) What are the major advantages/disadvantages to both blanket mortgage and blanket insurance?

If you want to build your own brand and NOT associate with an existing brand, keep in mind you are competing against very large companies and are at a disadvantage as far as name recognition.

Disadvantage-- I think that one major issue I've had with being a female is/was the "Your opinion doesn't mean much".

If there are issues that are greatly putting a borrower at a disadvantage that is not customary, or where a bank obvioulsy committed fraud or failed grossly to abide by applicable law, only then is a lender at risk.We need a change of attitude in dealing with lenders, all lenders, IMO.

I am curious if anyone owns property made out of shipping containers, if so what are the advantages/disadvantages compared to traditional properties?

You definitely right I have to really sit back and look at my area and see what the advantages and disadvantages are.

What are the advantages and disadvantages you have encountered with this approach?

Just know that out of state investing leaves you in a disadvantaged position overall.  

@Michael Doherty the disadvantage of doing it yourself is that you cannot expense your time, with the exception being your girlfriends property.

If you're just a customer, don't expect that if the agent is impartial in any way, shape or form -- you are at a disadvantage, and if you don't know how to negotiate on your own behalf, you will get taken advantage of.All that said, if you're not comfortable handling all aspects of the deal, the negotiation, the paperwork, these types of questions, etc -- get yourself an agent who represents YOU in the transaction, and don't rely on the listing agent.Even if the listing agent is serving as a dual agent (representing both parties), you're not getting a fiduciary benefit out of it.