They need to the agents just to get the offer in.To be fair, the best buyer's agents help their buyers get loans, which is a skill.

If he takes forever to sell your properties it might be worth paying the 3% for a top-notch agent...how skilled do you think he is?

So if you are truly considering paying down your primary home mortgage as a good alternative to investing in real estate, then you need to hone your investing skills and deal finding skills more before anything else.  

I wasnt born this way, I went from zero skill to handy over the years...although I was forced to because my dads a hardass...in a good way haha But if its a cosmetic flip like mine, I would suggest diving in and do what you know you can do and for the things you cant, use the internet, this forum or you tube.

Just saying its a lot of work to do those rehabs and only at the end of day have a 10% cap.These types of properties are what I actually focus on because i have the skills to get them updated.

A good stone craftsman has special skills.

Please do not paint bricks.some before/afterCon: cost of create new window or door when you need to change layout.matching bricks is an art.

To get a head start,  are there any investor/buyers list or that's up to me and my marketing skills to generate one? 

No credit or capital, you need more knowledge to apply management skills and no guru is going to teach you the real knowledge to success, in this area, they sell hopes and dreams.

Net more than that and you need to justify value in the property, not as to your efforts or skills.