you articulated your goals pretty clearly: 1-3 properties paid off by the time you are 50.  

Take a moment to read this article, which articulates it way better than myself: https://www.nerdwallet.com/art...

I am terrible at articulating my questions. 

that is EXACTLY how I feel, I couldn't have articulated better.Many seem to be concerned about tenant not paying rent on time etc, but that is the least of my concerns.

A good agent will be able to articulate the importance of an exclusive relationship, if they cant I would maybe find somebody else.

You get the idea.Communication does not to be overly formal but should be concise and well articulated to avoid misunderstandings.  

You see, you can articulate that you have no flexibility or vested interest.

@Michael PlaksBeautifully articulated on a complex subject.

@Jonathan Greene you've done a great job articulating the many challenges and pitfalls of OOS investing that are sometimes confined to the fine print.  

If you have those, maybe you can re-articulate that, and then BP can be much more helpful in helping you on your noble real estate path.Feel free to look around the forums on how raising money works and on Section 8.