Many people purchase without an agent at first, and as long as you know your strategy & numbers it is reasonable.

My wife and I are in the beginnings of our journey into the world of real estate and we are looking into one or both of us getting our real estate license.The thought is that it can save us a bit of money in the long run and also give us access to some tools like the MLS.I have concerns though about having to work under a broker.

The other decision I made early on is to focus on long-term rentals for wealth building. 

Are you referring to long term rentals when you said the gross rental yield is around 6-8%? 

This can often be a great "investment" if you plan on staying a long time in your house.An interest rate cap is only good for 3 years, and, specific to this loan, it is interest only.  

We have a long-term tenant who has recently started having a guest live with them.

I have been using Wells Fargo but would love to hear others preferred banks.

Usually its better to have multiple applications to compare, especially for the sake of trying to select a "long-term tenant." 

Has anyone had experience with Shore Funding (shorefundingsolutions.com) out of Long Island?

I am looking to learn and create specific strategies to create wealth in the medium to long term.