Hey Allen, it all depends on your goals.

Be upfront about your goals during interviews to find a good fit.Broker's Share of Commissions:Yes, brokers generally take a portion of any commission you earn, even if it's from a property you purchase for yourself.

I think that does make sense to do as cash flow to help build and acquire more properties is my main goal right now 

If your goal is to maximize liquidity for future deals, reducing your cash outlay or exploring refinancing options could make sense.

My goal is that I want to create $200k in revenue from real estate so that my wife could actually quit her work completely if she wanted.What would you do if you were me and why?

With that said, it all comes down to your goals, your risk appetite and sufficient reserves.

Starting locally vs. out of state:I always recommend starting locally if it aligns with your goals.

It really depends on your comfort level and long-term goals, but even if you want to get into multifamily long-term, SFR may be the best option to gain some comfortability.

5k a I don’t mind if it takes a few years, and I’m willing to be as actively involved as needed to achieve my goals.

At the very least, it might be worth exploring partnerships that align with your goals.