I own a consulting business.

But if you've owned it long enough you may have appreciation and significant depreciation that would need to be recaptured if you don't 1031 exchange into the new property.  

I started with a property manager on my first one as well and then went on my own after a year.

@Jared Carpenter, I am looking for brokers and agents first and foremost to learn more about the neighborhoods and seeing how the market is to see if it is aligned with the cashflow I am looking for. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Has your agent educated you on this yet?

I'm also focused on helping agents.

So, if things do go sideways, it's much harder to negotiate your way through.And, provided your loan is structured properly and closed with a competent title agent, I see no greater risk working with a private lender than with a traditional one.

Talk to your agent and see what they suggest.

I'm a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Upstate NY - more specifically the Capital District outside of Saratoga Springs, NY.