Or is there a low intellect involved?

We see a lot of new investors who come through these forums, and in some cases, it's obvious when someone has the mentality and intellect to be successful in this business. 

Obviously, if they had had your superior intellect and wisdom, they could have avoided these simple things...

My reputation in this business has served me very well and is more important to me than the cost of fight a few low intellect criminals.  

However, you are still required to have 2 years of salesperson experience, or working intellect estate law.

Your shared intellect is very useful and I’ve seen you on other threads.

Thanks in advance, we very much appreciate the collective intellect!

Yes, the financial services industry is notorious for high fees.Most “advisors” are just salespeople who are incentivized to sell you products (like annuities) that make them money.So, make sure to ask how an advisor is compensated, and whether they are a fiduciary.Ask if they own RE, but don’t dismiss their intellect because they don’t own their own properties.There’s probably a reason, and you should hear them out.The point I would hope to get across is that any smart investor who understands risk will own both real estate investments AND low-cost mutual funds.Perhaps you need an hourly CFP?

Your intellect and work ethic will determine if you are capable to do that and we don't know those things about you; so, we really can't answer the question.Real estate investing is not complicated but it does take persistence. 

Work a little , spend time with the family, and spend some time improving yourself ( emotionally, spiritually,intellect).