The big players have access to investor cash and have the means to work with borrowers and legal system, while it takes working knowledge, the returns can be very attractive for even small scale investors.

What type of money do you have access to?  

mother-in-law, mother-daughter, jack-and-jill, 'Summer Kitchen' and/or maid's quarters yada yada  - as many mansions and other estates traditionally do -  if its a SFD that means per code/ordinances etc u cant rent separate tent dwelling/apartments within it - only maybe a room or so.thats why instead, large SFDs with a duplex layout (or maybe even a 'back house') to spare will 'rent out a room' to avoid grossly breaking zoning and C of O rules for a single fam dwelling. of course that means either the kitchen is inherently shared or one of the persons (ie, a college student, or a raw vegan) simply does not need access to a traditional kitchen whatsoever.

I’m having trouble connecting with a Realtor for help with MLS access as well.

I get access to pre-market properties (short sales, REO, etc) and I frequently work with investors.

I need a kitchen guy to come in a tear down the old kitchen and put in a new one (he needs to also have materials or access to the materials as well) I don't want to go running everywhere.

Believe it or not, I've had applicants who didn't have internet access or even an email account. 

Having your RE License has a few benefits, like access to MLS.

I can't access the software because I don't have a password.

I have a good deal of experience with renovations, loans, use of hard money, access to MLS, knowledge of my local market, etcThat being said, I am excited to begin investing in RE but here are my challenges.. 1) I am a HUGE believer in 15 year mortgages.