On the agent side of things, start building your database now...it can be as simple as a spreadsheet or a free one like Hubspot, but you're going to want a way to keep track of prospects, leads, and SOI (sphere of influence). 

There's nothing personal with it unless you're one of those influencers or promoters type, but otherwise it's all market talk and insight.

Are there examples or case studies that demonstrate how property tax hikes have influenced the housing market? 

It makes sense for him to reach out to high influencers and ask for them to join him because it boosts his credibility.  

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

1) How to Win Friends and Influence People2) Think and Grow RichOne will teach you the art of human relations, the other will teach you how to have the mindset to do anything.The fact that you don’t believe you can do it might be the biggest factor holding you back.

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

Everything in How to Win Friends and Influence People.

See these two articles that have influenced my response:https://www.techrepublic.com/article/what-tulsa-and-other-cities-are-doing-to-woo-remote-workers-away-from-silicon-valley/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-best-and-worst-cities-for-remote-workers/?

This plan has been influenced and enabled more by everything I’ve done before or after college than by my college experience.If you have a particular goal with college that supports your long term strategy then go for it, but don’t let it wreck your credit or bury you in debt.