So technically I'm buying them below their Fair Market Value (FMV).My new accountant tells me that if I buy a property below FMV, then have an appraisal or CMA done on it, I have to recognize a gain in that year, even if I don't sell the property.

Now, I also recognize that this isn't a hard and fast rule and that there are definitely solo rockstars that also represent buyers, but it's been a pretty simple criterion for me to find professionals in the past.

Unfortunately this was proven time and time again...As your own home, go for it.

And I do recognize that all agents are not equal in service or competency.That being said, the types of people that do well selling their own homes and the ones that have a passion for it are usually the ones that end up getting their licenses. 

Only a smoker doesn't recognize it on themselves.

I prefer to partner with someone that has at least 5 years experience fix and flipping lots of properties, but would consider less experience with a proven track record.

Investors recognize strong markets that have a good economic story and are willing to pay higher prices for the same size in-place income stream. 

@Heriberto Cervantes Here is my "starting up" collection:Read http://greeneincome.com/index.php/2018/10/29/ideal-vs-desperate-investor/Read Dave Ramsey book "The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness." and complete the baby steps there.Read Scott Trench’s book “Set for Life.”Finish the school and get your degree - you'll need it later, especially if it's business management.Get a job first where you have W2 income.

My question to summarize is, do you know hard money lenders looking to work with newbies who have a proven professional track record just lacking the full real estate experience?

I have a new duplex trying to get rented and Marketplace won’t recognize the address so it won’t show up on the map correctly so I’m not getting any leads.