Just saying ,the expenses for out of state properties is hard to manage when you have no physical, eyes on, level of work, or professionalism done,, until a problem really surfaces and then you've paid thru the nose, jump hoops to figure things out after the fact. 

We want to start investing in real estate to offset that income by one of us becoming a "real estate professional".

You'd be well served to enlist the help of a local RE professional that's really familiar with these.. nuances, so to speak.There are at least a few of them on this forum.

But you'd never see me just go out to a bar and try to talk to people I don't know, or schmooz and mingle well at a party where I don't know folks. 

I left it out of the original text for simplicity sake, but after closing my brother and I are each 'buying' 1/3 of the cash to close, that way all 3 parties are equal 1/3 owner of the rental.

The running out of cash part is from clients of mine who have been stuck because of financing. 

If you don't mind living a little outside of the city, Ferndale and Royal Oak are great places to look, especially for young professionals. 

If I was the party suffering damages, I would sue the broker, the owner(s) of the brokerage firm individually and the individual agent.

Research and Education is the key, even when faced with overwhelming opinions by professionals.

If the offer is accepted I schedule a professional inspection to verify the condition and life expectancy  of all major components and appliances.