The golden rule states that "you should love your neighbor as yourself"(I know that it is very easy to say and repeat, but taking action is what we should all strive to do and act upon because anything is better than nothing).

It's time to start once you have saved enough to comfortably put 20% down, have enough reserves that you can handle a major repair + 6 months house payment, have researched local landlord laws and rules, have a good idea about what paperwork you will need and have it ready (lease, move-in checklist, background check, etc...), and you've done your research so you know what a good deal looks like.Then the hardest part!

Every mls has different rules and regulations but in every case that I know about you can only gain access as a real estate agent.

@Sean Wilt  The answer to your question, it is high dependent on the city rules regarding STR's.

As for what I can bring to the table, I'm an environmental lawyer, so while the rules of ethics (yes, we have them!)

I would love to connect with you and see where I can provide support. 

I do understand the warnings as stated above, but in my personal situation, if they stepped out of line about doing something wrong, or rent was pushing almost late, we told them the rules and how it will be right away and put a stop to it.

There isnt a whole lot that you can do as an investor, other than support programs that enable housing to be affordable, and be a part of those programs.

I know that involves SEC rules and such. 

As a general rule, I would never pay any up-front money to a lender or lending organization.All the love in the world to the entrepreneurs who take the risks to start up businesses and bring new services to the world.