I am young so my "why" is probably different than yours, but it is to be able to eventually take care of my parents and help support their dreams and goals once they retire so they don't have to dip into retirement funds as much.

@Marcello Di Gerlando, congrats on your success so far and making you REI dreams become a reality! 

Present-day I am working with another close friend, they have found the house of their dreams, their offer was accepted and now we are contingent on the sale of their Chicago Condo.

It’s of sentimental as it’s something we will use a few times a year and a lifelong dream of mine.

It's not the dream scenario, but paying $200/mo in rent is still way, way better than just renting outright.

However, I am aiming for the longterm and dreaming big so I want a corporate structure that is more complex and utilizes multiple entities for maximized protection and tax savings.

Do get a RE license if you're absolutely passionate about helping people find the home of their dreams or their next investment property.  

I’m a bit slumped as my dream of purchasing a property before graduating university has been shot down.

Growing up I always had big dreams, and most important strong ethics.

(PS we have a broker willing to put her on for basically no fee, if she just wants to do RE for our business).I'm thinking this would be somewhat of a dream team.