Even managing  smaller mutlifamily units or residential income properties will give you insight into what it will take to scale your business, manage tenants and achieve investment returns.

Once you have achieved what you have written, it is time to take the plunge.

Nonetheless, no matter where you go I think you can be successful and achieve your goals. 

Hard to say what savings you may or may not achieve with your strategy.

Do you have a contractor/team/infrastructure set up to help you achieve those goals?

Better to find a broker who can actually help you achieve your goals, rather than one who asks your to confirm to what they can offer.As others have posted, you can manage your risks by doing inspections etc.

You are absolutely in the right place to learn what you'll need to know to achieve your goals.Undeniably, the best investment you will ever make is in yourself.

Network with high achievers instead

I have been in contact with a couple of real estate agents that really don't seem to understand what I am trying to achieve.

What are you ultimately trying to achieve?