I originally started working with my current brokerage specifically because the broker said she was more than willing to sponsor me later to get my own corporate license once I had the qualifications.

I've been working on a side hustle which is life insurance sales, and I've started to make decent income.

We just finished a trip through the Midwest and narrowed our 1st area to start OOS to Kansas City.

I've been having a tough time getting a quote from firms like Mercury, Bamboo, and Geico -- perhaps because it is a larger home (4100 sq ft) in a fire prone area.

Just keep in mind zoning and code requirements. zoning is usually not a problem, but when a commercial is converted to residential current codes must be met which usually means two stair towers, fire separations, and sprinklers.PS: Loopnet is what I used to find my warehouse.

Househack something if you don't own already but buying SFH can be a good way to get started.

If the deal starts going sideways, who does the investor talk to? 

I wanted to get into real estate and start investing and see how flips and rentals work IRL.

Again - main thing though is starting with an accurate comp.

Since this is an unconventional lending instrument, you have to make sure all your ducks are in a row (contractors willing to perform the work, dates of work start/completion, all additional paperwork completed, etc), but it was well worth it.