The city fulfills every the Amazon requirements for the second headquarters and has the skilled labor force required by Amazon.

if you find a deal, you can partner with someone who has the funding and skill.

and only when you understand this should you map it to a strategy that is in line with your unique skills and motivations3) You will need discipline and an execution plan - being your own boss is great but you also need to figure out how to be your own best employee4) Define a plan and set interim milestones - being an entrepreneur can be a lonely profession and success is not a straight line so plan for getting yourself some small wins and maintain a long term perspective to help get you past short term challenges.5) Understand what constraints leaving full time employment will eliminate e.g. more time to focus on real estate, and what constraints it will introduce e.g. less income and ability to get credit6) Understand that you will need a team to succeed so make sure that the people in your life on whom you depend on for support are fully behind youHere is an article that I wrote that might be of additional help - https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11782/88425-want-success-here-are-ten-things-you-must-give-upGood luck, going on your own has got enormous upside potential but it is not pain free.

Perhaps I am too soft, and I have been burned once or twice, but I can afford to give some slack. 

Part time brokers & agents just do not have the same professionalism and skill level generally of a full timer dedicated to the craft.

We are predominantly soft wood here in the northwest.

And my point here is that that particular skill is a Pre-requisite to entering a business that depends 100% on your ability to do just that. 

If you're performing the work of any skilled tradesman, THAT my require licensing.

I do not want most tenants to work on my properties as they lack the skills and  tools.  

Having the skill set to close transactions is something you can take anywhere and have a career as a closer.