They can leverage their network and expertise to find potential deals, including off-market properties.It's crucial to think about the downsides of gap funding and explore other ways to build savings.

*My future wife is supportive and would be including her income to DTI calculations as well as potential savings.

@Dan Bowe, if the broker lies to you, he risks losing out on your potential offer. 

It might be helpful to find communities with growth potential, high rental demand, and advantageous market circumstances for investment by keeping up with Akron and Northeast Ohio real estate news.You may develop your portfolio and experience by starting small and working your way up.

I am also actively looking for my next primary (likely will be a multifamily still or SFR with ADU or with potential to add ADU) as we have really outgrown our current 2 unit property in Bayho. 

Figured it can’t hurt to ask.

The only thing I would potentially be weary of is damages to the property.

To obtain practical experience, start small with a modest multi-family property or home hacking potential.

Like @Ryan Moyer said I can utilize that cash now to invest in more properties and kick the can down the road, potentially past my time on earth.

You can just approach the seller (or their agent) as a private party and make an offer, either 3% lower or whatever you think will make the deal work for both parties.....Now if you want to acquire some RE knowledge, I suppose it couldn't hurt to have a license....and it will give you a small amount of credibility (not much, it is not hard to get a license)I think you can gain the knowledge just as easily by just starting to buy and sell properties......