eXp's tech and the support I've received so far give me confidence that I'll do well, even moving to a new state where my only sphere of influence is about 10 family members.I completely agree that the MLM-style pitch is downright obnoxious. 

Being an engineer has greatly influenced my need and ability to automate, simplify and create systems/processes/workflows.

There are so many factors that influence asset prices that a bad economy or high unemployment may not even drive prices down.

@Michael LoweKeep doing what you are doing and gravitate towards more positive influences.

My guess is somewhere around 25-50 units.Some variables that will influence that are: your distance from the property, the tenant/property class, etc...if you have 1 rental you should probably be self managing.

Del Amo has a traffic influence and for the most part is surrounded by industrial and commercial property which is why the property sold on the lower end for the general area.

Your area, jurisdiction and the political flavor of your courts influence whether or not an LLC is right for you, so see your attorney.

With the MLS you have the listing agents entire sphere of influence being exposed to the property as well as the sphere of influence of every other realtor in the area.What is it that your friend dislikes about the listing agent?

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion influences tax bracket, even though it provides an exemption from taxation. 

In general, I don't believe any of them are fully right or wrong, but I have built my own system and theory based on various influences.