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Guys don't really like getting into deals where the buyer doesn't have any skin in the game.It's best to find a couple different guys, interview each of them and find out which one will work for your situation(s).  

I haven't yet decided on a brokerage to work with but I have been interviewing.

If RE investors can hone just one skill, it would be the ability to recognize where we are in the cycle and move accordingly.

TREC recognizes it as a legitimate strategy.Sometimes the pocket listing approach is actually at the request of the seller, particularly in higher end areas where people don't want the general public tramping through their house all the time.

So I began looking for a new job not in public accounting and closer to home...I found one and interviewed for it and ended up accepting their offer.

Interview potential PM's, don't let them interview you because at the end of the day a good/bad PM can make or break you.

We are interviewing a company called Urban Apple, a smaller company in Chicago.  

DRE maintains a list of colleges that they recognize.

Deals are out there, you just have to recognize them when the come on the market, or, alternatively, look to see which properties have languished on the market and make those sellers a low ball offer.