Putting $75k down for a few hundred a month in cash flow doesn't make sense, plus, I lose the equity gain from being 12 years into a 30 year mortgage. 

Good Morning,I'm an agent in the Atlanta area looking to build new relationships and continue to gain knowledge.

Having your RE license allows you to have access to the MLS and other benefits.

Thanks a ton for looking at this and giving me your thoughts.I agree with your equity point and I'm thinking of taking the first few months of cash flow and paying more of the loan down to gain equity quickly.I'll be going after private/hard money for this loan.  

My goal is to eventually gain financial freedom (teachers generally don't have this option if they only teach!)

Capital gains is way less than income tax.

you can use the proceeds to purchase two different properties and to secure the full 1031 Exchange Benefits, you need to ensure the combined value of both properties is equal to or greater than the relinquished property, less reasonable closing costs, which does not include the payoff of a mortgage. 

Should I just shadow someone and gain knowledge in my spare time while I work and go to school?

If you sold at a profit, you could defer the gain if payments came over time.  

So, I agree 100% that I need to weigh the costs and benefits and know the risks.