I've personally found the bulk of my Chicago purchases off the MLS.

Just go ask Shaquille O'Neal.Simply because one person can't doesn't mean others can't. 

Conversely, a lack of charisma or poor screen presence could hurt a person - ask any radio personality!!! 

The first is having a personal portfolio of 5 passive rental properties, not including my residence.

Are you buying the property in your personal name or LLC?

Where buyers/tenants can view dozens of properties in a day to screen out less desirables then schedule with a real agent to see the home in person!

It sounds like a single family house where you will be living in the house(personal use).Therefore, you may not be getting the tax benefits you think you are.Consult an accountant.I am not sure why your sister would agree to this as well, she is losing $170,000 in this transaction and she faces the possibility of you increasing her rent.You also have to charge market rent or close to market rent or it is all deemed personal use.

You will quickly find, as you generate local person-to-person relationships, how many opportunities open up! 

Personally, I used a business credit card to fund a BRRRR deal, securing over $90K in credit with just an LLC and a solid credit score.There are many creative financing strategies available, so don’t let capital be a barrier.

How often do you use it personally or let friends/relatives stay?