I have come across a couple through local REI meetups, but to be honest they make me uncomfortable because I feel like they are praying on newbies.  

For instance, if you told this worker that you do not accept anyone with previous felonies, evictions, and your minimum income requirement is "x" and minimum credit score is "Y" this conversation probably would have never gotten to this point.Consider hiring a professional to rent the unit for you if you are uncomfortable screening tenants.  

The exit can be the most uncomfortable part of the deal.

There are bad agents out there who only want the deal doneCons- commitment issues, if you work exclusively with one agent there is an implied commitment that makes seeking advice/doing deals with others uncomfortable- speed, by sticking with one agent you rely on their speed and processing times.

I say this:Get some basic info on the 3-4 areas of RE that appeal to youThen find the best in the biz to mentor you in that area you zone in onThen stop researching and listen to the mentor you are payingThat may mean get off forums like BP, as good as they may be.Then execute as hard as you canI love the quotes on the thread @Brian Gibbons started about "an average person with a modest routine of self improvement will out perform a disorganized genius ninety-none times out of a hundred"  Then @Joe McCall (crud!!

We routinely put 5%+ EMD on properties < $500K.  

Whatever investments that make you feel uncomfortable or keep you up at night, sell them.

I chose to keep the day job while being a Realtor in case it didn't work out I could just settle back into the 9-5 routine.

You'll have routine maintenance, too, like new faucets, range, clogged drains, etc.

I'm not happy with my typical 9-5 routine, traveling (for work) for weeks if not months at a time, and more than anything how little there is to show for all the hard work I'm doing to make other people money.In many respects REI is in my blood - my grandfather, uncle, and cousin have all made sizable fortunes through REI but unfortunately I haven't gotten the bug until now.