The added bonus is that if there are already other active agents, more likely than not you can shadow a few of them and possibly also help out during their open houses or listing appointments so you can pickup a few clients here and there. 

Develop on the site yourself.I was just notified by a new Real Estate Agent that an investment property I hold can be developed with a density bonus into 88 units.

This is a bonus in most ways and a price increase usually.

We both are drawn to either single family long term rentals, or STR’s in the right locations.Right now we have $20k cash available for immediate investment, with the ability to increase that to $60-70k in the next 3 years through savings and bonuses at our day jobs.

I especially like the added bonus of how you say to build reserves in the account but once past the reserves, deploy the excess into another investment, and to NOT pay yourself the excess.

One specific thing that stands out as a red flag among many is the agreement they sent over to me states that they receive 35% of security deposits collected as a sign on bonus.

Bonus points for bringing cookies or brownies.Decision Makers - You are dealing with 12 people when leasing a home vs. one person for a regular home.

That's what I refer to as more "functional" theming.Honestly I'm not looking to buy this as just an investment, I want it as my own vacation place for my family, but I'd like the net costs to be as low as possible and I'd like for it to be a long term investment if possible. and if it could make money, that would be a super bonus.

However, an airline card that will give you an intro bonus, has no transaction fees and can help you build points to go back and forth from home could be attractive.There are millions of credit cards out there, the nerd in me would make a simple spreadsheet to compare them. 

On the flip side if they are not using all of your income, overtime, bonuses they could have you approved for less and not offering full approved financing.