I've listened to the last 10 podcasts (and continue to work my way back), attended my first BP webinar, started picking up some good books recommended from the podcasts, and am working on making new connections in the Indy area.  

I will only leave you with this to consider ... picking a stock that is about to appreciate but has no history of doing so is different thing entirely than picking a stock that has a long history of appreciation and dividend increases, which is different still than a stock with a solid dividend but absolutely no growth.

Also picked up a large ( almost 4,000 sqft) 3 family in a nice area of Waterbury a couple of months ago.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

I just picked up a lead in a college town and I think they are worth looking at. 

I'm an agent as well but I tell everyone else they should interview a few of usand find one that fits your style before you pick one.  

I'm guessing that your insurance company would have an issue with this -- in my experience, when you purchase insurance as a contractor, you can't pick and choose when that insurance is in play.  

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

You should also recognize their business tactics to obtain a contract, often with deception saying such things as "we buy houses" or "I'll buy your house", they never buy as they don't close.So, where you are as a buyer is in a position of dealing with someone who 1. isn't knowledgeable about real estate, 2. they lack business knowledge, 3. if they are aware of license laws and what a straw man deal is, they ignore the law, 4. many do  pick and choose what laws they  will follow, like using bandit signs to advertise. 5. from that, you  never know what they may have said to a seller which can come back on you, like a seller thinking you are their "partner". 6.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.