I have also considered switching careers to become a real estate agent, so I could have access to the MLS and it would help with the income debt ratio because I wouldn't be  paid under the table anymore. 

I have 6 apartment complexes and 7 single family there. 

All true pre-foreclosure information should be easily accessible via a general MLS Tax search or county search combined with Spokeo or Anywho to get phone numbers, but many other people will have that info.

That's true, but the more you get involved with real estate you'll harken back to subjects that you thought were a waste of time.The big, big plus once you become an agent is you get unfettered access to the mls and the rpr resource.

We manage SFH and apartment complexes.

1. office condo exchange to 2 separate properties (property could be different types) both our names on both properties2. office condo exchange to 2 separate properties one under my name and the other under his name.3. 1 of my property, 1 of his property, office condo exchange to one multifamily apartment - adjust by adding capital so we end up 50/50.4. 1 of my property, 1 of his property, office condo exchange to two multifamily apartment (one under his name and one under my name)I'm sure there a several minor details that needs to be worked out but we are just in the brainstorming stage.

I don't have tons of money saved up to be able to buy a house in a part of Denver that I want to live in.

I would recommend you start by downloading your landlord tenant laws for your state..Then set your rental criteria,, credit score, income, (= to 2 or 3 time the rent ), occupancy limit per bedroom size of apartment... no cosigners,No pets,, no smoking,, what ever..but it stays the same for everyone.. 

Is there a part of town they prefer? 

I want to get my license for investment purposes (I know I don't need one, but I want one for access to more information), but I don't want to have to work for a broker.