What I've found is that where real estate education is general, introductory, cheap, and location-independent, it's a scam.

Most agents I know get most of their business from referrals within their networks.The plusses of having your license are access to houses and MLS without waiting for other agents to get you in.  Depending

Here are some IRS stats for you:https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-tax-stats-at-a-glanceYou are pretty much correct though, top 1% income on individual returns was $480,000.

But statistically speaking, investing in a pre-revenue startup is extraordinarily risky.

When compared to 4k SFR, it is a pretty unbelievable statistic.

I have the long term goal of financial independence with supplemental income from rentals.

I have been an authorized user on my parents credit card for about 4 years to begin building my credit and I just received my first independent credit card.

That's totally fine that they are focused on that market, it is just not a niche I am going to worry much about in a comparison centered on the needs of smaller, independently operated/managed STR owners. 

Low is high risk, high number is rock solid.  0-100.I once had independant list vendors who sold this lead type with filters on typical real estate criteria beds/baths etc.  

In an effort to increase my income after realizing I wasn't going to be making decent wages for financial independence at my low paying hourly government job, I made a vision board / specific life plan with my fiancee and then an opportunity came and I left WA and am now in Denver on a 1099 as a solar panel sales rep.