Planning to use BiggerPockets, a recommended reading list, and meet with an older longtime investor friend and explore a mentor relationship down the road.

Advantages for me: slightly less paperwork, fast approvals, leeway if your credit score is borderline for a specific rate, relationships, flexibility to lend on properties that need significant repairs.Main con is slightly higher than average interest rates and shorter terms, for me at least.  5-6% and 20 year amortization is generally what I'm paying.Hope that helps,- Tom

What I am looking to do is quite a bit different than Lab Coat Agents and my goal is to actually establish relationships with agents around the country.

Develop a relationship with a couple of local HM lenders.

I have been building relationships with friends and colleagues by just letting them know of the ambitions with real estate.I am pursuing that education with some vigor, thanks.

Only "improvements" add to your basis.The check you get when you close has only a loose relationship with the taxable gain. 

What I wrote above does not create a CPA/client relationship between us.

Build relationships while you learn about both markets, and see which one rises to the top.

If you have built up a skillset to a high level, then you can earn a good amount of Seed Money for your future Investments and your qualifications will be excellent!

Looks like the smallest listed currently property is a 66 unit in Brownsburg. http://www.tamultihousing.com/get_listings.cfmIt's mostly relationship driven so if you haven't already I would reach out even if they don't have anything listed at the moment and get the ball rolling.