It’s a small fee to pay for all the exposure you get.

Each dwelling has variables to consider such as light exposure, reflection/absorption, finishes & materials in addition to the style that best compliments the architecture. 

Not all properties get the same market exposure and not all properties sell at "Market Price." 

Met a few nice folks networking there, but a lot of the info being put out there seemed very hack so I felt bad for most of the attendees if it was their only/first exposure to r/e investing.  

I have been working in the financial services industry for almost 10 years now and thus had quite some exposure to other areas of investing (from private markets to public markets).

You would therefore need to look at private sources of lending or joint-venturing with other investors.The administrative overhead that would come with managing two IRA accounts using leverage and therefore having exposure to UDFI taxation would be significant relative to the amount of capital you have to work with.As noted above, a self-directed IRA is not a tool YOU can use to invest in real estate.  

REIA's are great for entertainment and exposure to those selling dreams and stuff - but they will not move you forward fast enough.You give me the impression of being impatient and want to reach your financial goal - maybe before you even have them.I too know many of those 7 figure income people and own a unit in Manhattan and other states.Those 7 figure income people got where they are by making right decisions - they have the ability to see right through a novice and a bad or unprofitable deals and have the ability to dismiss an individual without mercy!

Your investing will benefit from your exposure to deals from your agent work.

I'm thinking this is a convenient way for the CU to limit their exposure, at my equity expense!

A rental house is simply a rental house, limited exposure a far cry from multi-family complexes.