So to answer your question about becoming an agent, it all depends on your personal and specific goals as to what you are trying to achieve.

I keep getting mixed messages, one saying I need to start an LLC and only after two years I can start thinking about loans, others say it's no problem and you can find out private lenders, however it would make it really hard to achieve a positive cash flow with the rates they would charge me.If anyone can provide some guidance and point me in a direction where I could get a bit more educated that would be great.

If the plan is to hold for ten years, but the debt matures in three, you have to find a way to get comfortable that a take-out will be achievable prior to maturity. 

In terms of the apps, it really depends on what you're looking to achieve with the app.

Those who fought their way through competitive biddings in super achieving school districts found their investment doubled in 10 years.

Those people should be like minded, and be able to help you and your strategy achieve your goal.

@Cayman Rigdon I would further verify the location and the achievable market rent, talk to at least 2 reliable property managers.  

Timeline to achieve this is 10 to 15 years,  conservatively.

This will defer all of the tax liabilities.Parts of the tax code can be combined to achieve this, but 1031 is the simplest, most straightforward, and can be conducted by any investor (read: accredited status not required.)

Any bulk discounts you could hope to achieve are outweighed simply by having the word "Commerical" in the policy.