You dont need to take the RE courses you mentioned to become a REI, it probably wouldn't hurt but not necessary. 

@Dan WhiteThe unique/interesting thing with partnerships that I like is that everything is negotiable.On the most recent Biggerpockets podcast, the guest mentioned starting out as a wholesaler and then bringing a deal to a flipper in exchange for a profit and to be showed how to do a successful flip.

I am unfamiliar with AtlantaAre you turnkey provider working in Chicago only or the other markets you mentioned as well? 

I've heard it mentioned several times in the podcasts, but they either didn't get into specifics, or I didn't take good notes. 

Bank is less willing to finance this as well.Any one has any tips doing the ones mentioned above around the area?

After mentioning this to his wife, suddenly vocational brochures started to arrive in the mail.

@Jacob D AdamczakThere is no one right answer and a lot of other factors beyond just the simple one at hand come into play - age, other savings, goals, time you expect to be with this employer, etc.That company match paired with the tax deduction you get on your own contribution are essentially free and immediate return on investment. 

@John Cassel  I think those two things you mentioned (the exterior painting and bathroom renovations) will have a big impact on the appearance of the property. 

It's not that I've never met a competent buyer's agent, it's that I believe that the service they provide doesn't match what they cost, especially in this day and age where all the neighborhood metrics, comps, etc can all be found online.In terms of getting a license, I have a day job that consumes most of my time. 

I had one across the street from my own house and I was lucky enough to have awesome neighbors that didn't mind at all, however, I didn't mention to many people that I ran str's because I didn't want to hear all of the terrible things I was doing to rip this city apart.