If it is up here, drop a comment and I can more specifically share and give insights.

@Luke Morris TamneyI would open a high-interest savings or money market account, specifically for real estate investing, and save it there.

While I wouldn't call it "big boys" - there is a very small world of professional companies dedicated to this super small specific asset class. 

A lot of times, these types of lifestyle choices will start limiting you down very quickly to specific areas, and since you are going to be living in the property, are likely to have a heavy weight on the neighborhoods.  

Have you thought about the specific strategy you are going to use or what your business model might look like?

The IRS, in a now discontinued Publication 535, used to say:If you are an individual and your attempt to go into business is not successful, the expenses you had in trying to establish yourself in business fall into two categories.The costs you had before making a decision to acquire or begin a specific business.

Anything specific in your plan or locality that would force this?

What specific roles do brokers hold that agents should not? 

If you have any specific questions or need guidance along the way, feel free to reach out.

While they are not specifically midterm rental leases, they are specific leases for people that are staying 30+ days and that is what you really care about.