I was thinking having extra saved would help as well.

I am about to graduate from Stamford UConn with a Finance degree and hope to start investing in rental properties in either Norwalk or Stratford.

They dont always tell you this, but you'll find out once you start conversations.I went through this about 3 months ago, and so many banks passed me up.  

I will start loosing house depreciation advantage  after 2027.

I never lost the desire to start my own business and "work to live, rather than live to work".

You may also be able to connect with a local hard money lender to fund your rehab.For my clients who have exhausted those options, I recommend pursuing a refinance-rehab loan that could give you some cash-out to get started, while also funding your whole budget to be held in escrow.

Of course not all will be interested in your house, some may have purchased already, but it is something to start with.I probably have 5000 people or more in my database, but the chances of any 1 of them being interested in buying your house are pretty slim. 

I have done a couple transactions as an agent on a team and my wife and I are saving up to invest in our first property together. 

Should I locate a mortgage broker or start with a realtor?

I am starting a park that will end up with roughly 20-25 lots on plot of land that's roughly 20 acres (including an existing 4/2 house).