I'll defer to the more experienced folks on this board to add their wisdom to the issue.Your questions about why anyone would pay a middle man are valid questions.

Read "Your Money or Your Life",Understand what decisions you are making with both eyes wide open.There is a lot of wisdom here wanting to help you, however you will probably end up doing what you want and then justifying the decision.There will be lessons learned with either decision.Nothing wrong with either choice , they each have their own consequences.My life lesson was that Doodads are fun but never became truly satisfying or fulfilling long term.

Im in NWA- bentonville  - greatly appreciate your wisdom !

Seriously,  I don't know anyone else that offers so much wisdom in BP posts.  

I really appreciate the advice and wisdom.

People often underestimate my intelligence, my competency, my wisdom, and even my net worth.Being a woman is one of many characteristics that go into the equation but it's no different than the others.

First and foremost, thank you ALL for your input, experience, tax strategies (those were the best), and wisdom. 

These guys are just going to fly in, impress you with what they have done in their careers, offer some canned wisdom about 'taking action' and fly out. 

I wonder if anyone can share some of their nightmares and share some words of wisdom...

The conventional wisdom these days seems to be either - I don’t like real estate.