If you want to own 25 rental properties in 5 yrs Id say you will be spending little time on brand development and just use license to gain more exposure to deals OR if you plan to try and sell more than a few houses per year you will need to generate leads somewhere outside your personal sphere of influence. - Definitely appropriate to represent yourself as a fellow investor if you are attempting to list an investor's property. 

Both my wife and are interesting in meeting people that certainly will influence us.

Influence on the BPO is key key key!

This will ultimately drive a reversion cash flow amount, which heavily influences reposition projects which are typical for property that is purchased with a going-in cap rate in excess of 10%.

His book is on BPs list of Best Real Estate Books: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/ If you listen to the BP podcasts, the book Rich Dad Poor Dad was one book most often mentioned that influenced a lot of people.

I am not trying to steer any buyers or try to influence their decision based on race.

A few things that may influence the way you are leaning:1) if you are willing to house hack (multi?)

No doubt you were an early adopter and unquestionably have made a significant impact and influence on the market.

I am not Oprah Winfrey or *insert powerful woman's name here,* who can do things like influence government entities to raise or lower interest rates or interfere with natural market cycles.

If rough people moved in it could influence other to move out.