Same could be said for a 45 lb six year old human. 

Certain items I will be repurposing thru Habitat for Humanity ReStore just because I like to upcycle.

Are you sure whatever government body is there would approve that?

In most cases when I see some body scaling up rapidly they are playing in C and D type properties, again don't get me wrong more power to you if you can do this but since I am a passive investor I prefer trouble free properties in trouble free areas. 

PS - Spend as much face-to-face time with other investors as humanly possible, they are honest, helpful and inspirational.

These are examples of when a human with some understanding of the real estate market, neighborhood, and current trends needs to interpret the data.Last, and very important- unless you are in a rural area, a three mile radius is far too large. 

It would not matter to you if a locale has a human life time (100 years) of long-term appreciation and numerous economic indicators and studies that there will continue to be long term appreciation. 

I know no body that is buying S/f 's at retail and renting them with good returns.

While the agent is bound to serve you both equally, the human factors prevail and  the sellers requests/demands WILL prevail.As the seller pays both his and your agents fees, by all means find your own agent.

We're dealing with people.... human feelings and human shortcomings, including those of overworked case managers and things that the tenant can't control.7.