If so use a broker familiar with the property type they should know the market and be able to answer rental rate questions or run a market survey for you.

@Alicia Waldman , first, you need to determine if the lender is a direct lender, indirect lender, or a mortgage broker.

I refinanced a duplex in April with a new mortgage broker.

Those types of properties are very hard to fund because mortgage brokers do not make any money off of them.

At that point though we wouldn't have it listed on MLS either by a discount broker or by a standard 3% listing agent.

Ask the Seller to fire the agent - broker in writing.

I was told to ask brokers about teams in my class.

Working with brokers/agents who specialize in that asset class and are also investors is even better.Lot's of overpriced and marginal properties out there in multifamily as well.

I think being in the classroom and having other people ask questions helps a lot with learning.I am a broker, so my financials are a little different, but you can probably plan to spend $1000 per year to maintain your license, including MLS fees, board membership, keycards and lockboxes (if you plan to list properties).

A couple of ways to get direct access to your local MLS: 1) Contact a real estate agent/broker and have them pull information that you are looking for. 2) Get your own real estate license and pay the local MLS access fees.