She has mentioned that some firms have training programs but they are not always paying positions.To be clear, I'm seeking an employment position, not a apprenticeship. 

This one is important, the top 3 credit unions for vets and specially for investing purpose are USAA, NFCU and Penfed.If you are self employed and you apply for a mortgage with USAA, believe me when i say this from experience, its TEN times easier and faster to get approve then you would get with a credit union or bank outside of any military credit unions.

Do you know someone with a 401K from a past employer that can be turned into a self directed IRA.  

Either a "Listing Agreement" or a "Buyer Brokerage Agreement" is a fancy legal title for what amounts to an employment contract - they work, you pay.If you like your agent, but the right deal hasn't appeared, you can always renew your agreement.

He has awful credit and I can't verify his recent rental history seems sketchy self employed past 8 years not verifiable.

Killeen Tx has ONLY 1 major employer (military) that is NOT good for most investors because if something goes wrong with that employer, it will be devastating.

I feel like I should keep my REI efforts secret from my employer considering I want to quit my job someday to do REI full time. 

If they have a good rent record, (pay on time, employed, treat the property well), investors will usually grab these properties up if the ROI is good.Best of Luck!

So while the national economy has added about 12 million jobs (and Denver has added 300,000), the US population growth grew as fast as employment.

However if you are one of the many who look for long term cash flow there are many areas in the US that can accommodate.Do your research:  I look for areas for solid employment, low crime, low cost of homes with a high net rent yield.I have invested in Houston, Salt lake city, vegas, phoenix, southern california and indiana.