Everyone is always trying to find where their advantage is, and I think you have yours with your experience, day job and family connections.

Haven't investigated real estate value though and would be curious what you find.

When I find one I reach out to the broker to learn more and see if they have an Offering Memorandom OM they will share.

I am interested in making connections, learning new ideas on how to improve our properties, offering help where I can, and of course, finding more properties. 

It sounds like an ideal moment to either plow some more money into savings or seek private funding.Perhaps if you find a modest flip you can infuse cash into your system in a hurry and build your network at the same time?

I am getting a really sneaky suspicion that they are stealing money and finding ways to charge unnecessary fees and want honest feedback from anyone who has recently dealt with them.

It's pretty common to find 2x more rental units available than homes for sale.   

If you are looking for properties, and find a good deal, you can sell it, and make a commission, and 2nd bonus is you make investor friends so when its time for you to invest you have partners.

I'd also network with other Realtors to identify clients relocating to the area looking for temporary placement while they find or build their new home.

Of course, if you can find a property where you can add a 2nd bathroom or maybe a half, you'd be better off in the random case of a toilet clog.