Sometimes people get in over their head and find it easy to use other's people money thinking they can later "reimburse" them. 

There are lenders that work with foreign nationals (people living outside the U.S. that are not U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status) to buy investment properties with DSCR loans.

Guests that were liars and left damages and such, but ultimately most people we've hosted were great guests! 

Hoping to meet like minded people in the area to build a network with. 

Rein, First, understand legal framework and financing options first.

They are a big group and people I spoke with did say they have a great reputation, but the northeast mentality of wanting things done yesterday does not work in every market.

Some people think I jumped in too quick, etc.

@Ken Livingston I usually recommend people take solar panels off their properties, not put them on.

I was doing a lot of legwork and still paying RE agent for the transactions up until got my own license.pros: no commissions in your transactionseasier qualification as real estate professional to offset high W2 of spousecan get access to any house/ easy logisticsmore control in the transactionMLS access with all the information on tip of your fingers, you can move fast with the deallicense knowledge helps to make better decisions and gives broader understanding of the industrycan legally do property management for others, wholesale (many states now making outlaw to do it without license)cons:need to take an exam (it needs preparation and to be good not just barely pass you need to study)fees you pay along the way (MLS, brokerage(I signed with investor-focused on and have a monthly fee and a transaction rate))self-management including taxes and feesneed to relicense + paid education Don't forget the biggest con.

Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.