Hi All.Im a new inverstor and was wondering the pro's and con's of using a realtor vs craigslist or other markeing to find my first tennants for a higher end unit.Regards,Felix

Would an agent have to pay fees to his brokerage if the property was found using a bandit sign (non-MLS)? 

It seems for most using a GC is the best and most efficient way to go.

I would for the fix and flips be using a separate LLC that would be have S corp status.  

However, there are some other creative ideas, like working with a partner who has the "skin" or by using a Home Equity Line of Credit or by finding the world's greatest deal and a very friendly/trusting HML :)

I don't claim to know anything about the rules to properly using a sd ira.

My interests are more toward the buy and hold idea, using a property manager to handle the day to day issues, while I'm at work.  

are you using a purchase loan from an investor ?

(i may just not have found em yet)Has anyone else had experience with using a home warranty on a rental home?

Your last sentence about using a different property as collateral is very important, obviously.