I agree with the gentleman that stated that they probably use the education piece to supplement what they cant get when market is slow and that you are basically helping them find deals.

Are you looking to supplement or replace your current income?

I would like to learn more and eventually supplement my architecture income with a BRRR income stream, but I am looking to learn and find opportunities to invest.

I have the required $50k downpayment in the bank, but I'd much rather pay $30k myself and supplement the $20k balance, which leaves me with $20k in the bank to fund another house. 

1- Supplement my retirement income2 - Share knowledge to help others3 - Increase my Retirement Funds 

To have 10 paid off properties by the time I retire to supplement my retirement that would net me 10k/month and live happily ever after.

My only concern is I am asking for the 10% finance to supplement the down payment.

I have a small health care benefit from my local government career, and I have VA health care since I'm ex-military but it's not as good as it used to be (too many people in the system, too few providers at the VA) so I am planning on buying a supplement on the marketplace when open enrollment comes in November.

Those who DCA - dollar cost average (and most do into their 401k mutual funds) won't get clobbered as they have been averaging in and over time this will smooth out all the volatility.Most people nearing retirement should be gradually shifting out of equities into something more of a fixed income flavor.Listen, I prefer RE over the stock market, however I have constructed over many years a fantastic stock portfolio of great companies that throws off income (dividends and distributions that grow annually) on a monthly, and quarterly basis that I will utilize to supplement my passive income in retirement...Days like yesterday (and today) are more like buy days, as if you look around you can find great value in these sell off days.

Even if you don't use what you learned directly you still have the life experience not everyone has and the fortitude that you got it done. follow your dreams and make real estate the supplement or fall back on plan that you incorporate into being successful.