Any person who wants to start investing needs to start in the same way: get educated about the various facets of REI (this is a great place to do just that), pick an area of interest and jump in. 

They all offer real estate investment  education and counseling and have affiliates in several markets that they've "vetted" to provide turnkey properties with tenant and management in place. 

And now that you're here we'd love to see you be an active member of the BP community so be sure to set up Keywords Alerts for your local area such as "Clementon" or "Vineland" if you're looking to find potential opportunities for investing, education in a subject, or other members in your area.Use the Find Members area to network with other members who are local to you or are in an area you're wanting to invest in.

Then we will be switching to more of a buy and hold strategy long term.What are some specific things we should be looking for in a broker when we have little experience and could use the education, but want the flexibility to be investing as well? 

You might look them up for the education. 

I can deal with incompetent people for a time as they can be educated.

Very involved with good educational groups, workshops and opportunities in the area.

Your experience as a real estate agent will be a great education and learning experience.

Bigger Pockets has helped tremendously and I’m glad I can now confidently call myself an educated landlord.

He has the cash and I have basic real estate education but no experience nor much cash (for now).