I do this all the time with big firms like CBRE or M&M.

Financing is definitely the best for larger buildings, it's easier to get a hold of.Especially when you get into even larger deals, when you can work with smaller private equity firms (million-dollar minimums and whatnot) for your financing, getting into mezz loans and walking into these with very little or even no money down.It seems somewhat counter-intuitive, but banks would rather do the big deals than the small ones.

Obviously these firms don't want lower-end rentals, and if they can build their business that way, more power to them.

I provide a list of approved MAI appraisers, the borrower (or his mortgage broker) contacts the appraisal firm directly, negotiates the fee, and pays them directly.

What you learn to get your license won't be very helpful but if you join a firm that educates you about the market you are ahead.

That will have some effect on your tax situation.Best to call some property management firms in the area and ask the reserve question.

In my state there are several places that offer online courses also.You might contact a large realtor firm in your city and ask about local options to take classes to become a realtor.

The second option is to find out which realtors or firms handle the REOs in the area you want to buy in and become friendly with them.

Be fair, firm and consistant with the kids.

We've had some really great experiences and some not so good experiences.We've recently enlisted the assistance of a property management firm that does extensive screening of section 8 tenants.