Hello! Wondering if any agents out there have advice on whether to hire an accountant or use software to track expenses. I'm not opposed to hiring this out, but want to be smart with my money - which may include hirin...

@amber lead generation is the number 1 issue for agents so it makes sense they are going over it. 

Going conventional with the help of a savvy MLO in the long run for multiple acquisitions will probably yield more fruit over time as opposed to going the FHA route imo. 

Donald Cressey is The Fraud Triangle: 1- A perceived unshareable financial need. 2- Perceived opportunity. 3- Rationalization.Financial pressures change in life, medical care for aging parents, a family member becomes ill, college costs, mid-life crisis, substance addictions and gambling, jealousy/feeling "owed" or wronged, social pressures to "get ahead"...The biggest losses are always where there are no checks & balances, no separation of duties, no policies and procedures in place. 

Depending on their system this could be fruitful...or incredibly frustrating.Another option is to use a "List Service" and pay for the information.

You are now purely collection the fruits of all the trees you have planted and which are now fully grown.

I'm not sure what its like in Texas but in some areas I know nearly every agent is a Realtor (Hawaii) and in others its much more common for agents to not be members (Washington).

There are deals to be had, but there's not much low hanging fruit.

The next phase of your investing may have to extend out of state, if the housing cost are to high in your immediate local market, their are ample markets where housing is very affordable and investment opportunities can be very fruitful.

Congratulation on your decision to "step out", after being in conventional real estate for so long, it is a big decision to want to be more productive, earn more, and build a portfolio of profitable properties as a real estate investor.It is difficult however for agents/brokers to change hats, to forget the old ways of doing the conventional real estate business and to get educated on the creative ways to control and roll real estate.I commend your decision to do so.One Broker to another, if you need some suggestions, just give me a call.Good luck.