Part of what results in a very smooth closing for the seller is not having to dedicate as much weekend time to being gone during open houses, and a bit of leeway on the time that they are allowed to stay in a property after the closing takes place.

That's just one example of how the technical aspects mesh with government aspects.Even marketing, being able to sell lots, is useful as is being able to get along with others and assess their abilities and motivate them to be part of your team either as employees, vendors, financial supporters, etc., all come into play. 

I also agree with @Chris Mason, having a local lender on your team to answer questions definitely the way to go. 

If you can't make it someone from your team does.

However, you can learn important skills and earn some investing capital along the  way if done right.You’ll also want to start building your “team” for whatever strategy you employ.

I'm an agent in the Cumberland County area on a great team!

Hello BP Team,If anyone is interested getting started in real estate investing in the Denver market, I would highly recommend you contacting Chris Lopez with Your Castle Real Estate!

We have given notice to the current 3rd party management team that we are going off on our own and kicking around the idea of doing 3rd party management ourselves for other operators.

Good Morning Daniel,I am the owner of National Property Inspections here in Knoxville, TN and my team and I would love to be a resource for you.

If you're a young person who is 100% dedicated to being a real estate entrepreneur, pulling the money out could be decent seed capital for starting your investment business.If you're a bit older and just looking to grow your net worth, doing a self directed account and not taking the massive hit probably makes more sense.