Super frustrating to have wasted so much time and energy with them.  

I work in the entertainment industry, so I make decent money, but depending on economic issues work can go in and out, and there’s no real assurance of constant monthly income like there would be for other jobs.

They spend a lot of time talking about more macro economic events and things that can affect real estate too which is interesting...or maybe boring to some!

When things are arms-length, the taxable amount is generally the exact commission amount as the buyer's agent, buyer, seller, and the listing agent all have adverse economic interests.Again, it's a facts and circumstances based analysis at the end of the day. 

During difficult economic times, fewer people tend to take vacations.

Less than 10% of agents are investors, so if you find a good one, hold on to them.The notion that investor-agents are taking up all the good deals is ludicrous.The economic model of an agent is to sell units not owned them unlike the economic model of an investor is to own and sometimes wholesale.

Compete on photos/amenities/good reviews; put all of your energy there.

Haha it’s not as bad as you think but that is a renewable energy source.

Word on the street is that Split systems (common in . . . . a LOT of places other than the US) operate at a lower energy consumption rate per heating unit and cooling unit. 

I currently work in the energy sector, but my ultimate goal is to become financially independent through real estate.