First of all- the security deposit isn't "yours," but it isn't the PMs, either.

Quote from @Nicholas Goerss: Hello all,I am getting ready to start looking at lender for my second conventional mortgage to buy my second property.

Like all things, becoming a licensed Agent has its pros and cons. 

I buy SFR all the time w/o a realtor. 

I'm using ChatGPT for all my work. 

If I see someone with 5 properties and all 5 are DSCR it screams that the total strategy of the portfolio is not being considered1.

@Bennie Smith there's two parts to that:1) We take on properties all the time and do a TakeOver Evaluation Video that we share with the owner.- Many of them have no clue of the actual condition of their properties and a decent percentage want to then sell.2) We have owners we terminate, that don't want to spend a penny maintaining their properties.

All new tenants should go through the application process and be charged the application fee.

I did all of my loans with small local banks in my area and was always happy with the rates and service.

Joining a team is a good suggestion but not sure if all teams will allow you to specialize outside of the team's focus.