There are plenty of solo brokers who choose to do so simply for complete autonomy, flexibility and to keep all the money.

The other was in a tub/shower where the owner had installed one of those hand shower heads on the end of a flexible hose, with a T piece connecting the flexible hose to the existing shower head and pipe. 

I would say be flexible when you get to the end when deciding what you want to do.

If not, be flexible and try to negotiate something reasonable.

I've got a month-to-month rental I'm living in and can be quite flexible on timing.

This takes some flexibility away from you regarding the direction of the project.

My concern is not so much in the initial time investment for the prereqs- I do not mind classes and especially this online CE should be pretty flexible. 

@Hannah Reichert  I ended up using smaller local banks (portfolio lenders) that had a little more flexibility on their lending criteria. 

Hard money and private money often cost you more but are more flexible.

Make sure to have a set of criteria for tenants prior to advertising it & what you are flexible on with higher deposit or raised rent.Don't forget about extra pet deposit too!