But I think you will enjoy some of the soft benefits of having a retail and rental operation combined: depreciation, other tax benefits, economies of scale in remodeling, multiple exit strategies, volume to maintain agent relationships, etc.

You need to have polished skills to go directly to a listing agent, kind of like a spy trying to flip another agent (lol).

A third party buyer can get an owners policy, which makes more sense, because they are more likely to be candidates for a HUD insured loan.That being said, there's always a lot to learn and title research is, in my opinion, an essential skill for the investor.

There's no house or apartment that I need a key to get into, and most of my tenants have skills in the lock and entry dept.

He's talking about private home buyers and he's suggesting to keep renting, because the market will go soft again. he's saying that in certain parts of the country, it's cheaper to rent than to buy.

A skilled investor knows how to buy right to insulate themselves from short term market fluctuations and can make money in a RE market going up, down, or sideways; in a market that is expensive or one that is cheap; making money on both cash flow and appreciation without speculating.

Most people are surprised when they are told I have good grades because I go out a lot and am very talkative and friendly, not your stereotypical 4.0 no life academic with zero social skills. 

Keep in mind also, the purpose of the post is make people realize that we often have other assets we can sell or skills we can make use of.  

I want to be involved in the real estate world and accrue money for future investments by exploring different options that are available to me.I have skills in web development and photography, and I'm currently trying to piece together a real estate / architectural photography business.I'm also considering working for a property management company for experience as well, but finding it difficult to break into that arena based on lack of experience / work history in management.  

Learning to filter the chaff is a required skill around here.