If you're only doing a couple or so transactions per year probably ok.On the other hand, you can have more control and eliminate the need to go through a custodian for investments by the use of checkbook IRA or Solo 401k.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Be willing to hold them to these standards.One of the best things I ever read in these forums was to be firm, but fair.

Hold steady.  

Start smaller, purchase for cash 200k, 50k for renovation and holding costs. 

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

My thinking is increased value and cashflow on a long term hold.

Have you thought about your investment style-- buy and hold, fix and flip, househacking, passive investing, STR, something in between?

In the 4 states I hold/held broker licenses, all required this knowledge (in BASIC form) for licensure, so the required educational courses should provide a decent foundation.  

I could probably hold off on the basement flooring, though.