Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sheetrock and texturing, or handyman skills.

This included things like installing transition pieces in the doorway between laminate and wood flooring "because the change in surface texture was a tripping hazard", replacing a concrete slab in the drive (Which the tenants do not use) because there were cracks, scraping and repainting minor cracked/peeling paint in the halls "because it was a health hazard", installing GFI outlets which the other landlord had never been cited for, and a number of other things that clearly had not just developed since the previous inspection.

Bad combinationI remember talking to them about how we could "enhance the screening" for the Section 8 properties they're doing, and they pushed back saying they legally need to maintain the same set of standards for all their applicant screening, Section 8 or not.

I like the idea of using leverage to enhance returns, although I have been told by local agents (and wholesellers) that financial institutions are not going to work with new investors on purchasing their first property.

I then proposed that they list their home under my account so that the ratings/reviews on our two properties would enhance each other's property, which would result in increased bookings for both of us. 

IMO, the costs and continuing requirements, office meetings and all that goes on really doesn't enhance investing, but the education does.If you know alot of people and are good with the public, sales as a Realtor can be a great business.

Some siding, particularly stucco, can be especially tricky to work with since you need to bust out all the stucco around the window to R&R it, then know how to blend and texture-match to repair it.If you're doing it yourself make sure you know local building requirements so you don't create a code violation for yourself - know egress requirements, where you need and don't need tempered glass, and minimum U-factor and SHGC.

As a new agent, I am looking for counsel and suggestions on which Managing Broker to join in order to enhance my education and progression in the real estate sector.

Caleb, where do you find blank yellow paper that is the same weight and texture as the legal pads?

<<No 'bitterness' or 'disillusionment' there -- just a valid OFFER of OPPORTUNITY.But I'll tell you what raises my hackles -- the 'fantasy' (first started by gurus, then enhanced by reality TV shows, and unfortunately still propagated by some posters here) that any form of real estate investing can be SIMPLE or EASY.That's like telling some schmo with a typewriter and a mastery of the alphabet that he can create a bestselling novel!