I think the recovery of our local markets is the main influence.

The biggest challenge for me, is that it requires a substantial amount of travel.  

I mostly invest in apartment buildings and I haven't made an offer on anything substantial since 2012.

I got a substantial loan on just my credit score.  

Since your down payment is larger, the amount you are financing is substantially larger as well.

The downside is that both houses have been vacant for at least 6 years (and possibly up to 10 years),  and need substantial work (roof, foundation, and potentially to the studs remodeling).

As a new agent is it better to work for a large brokerage with structured training (and likely a substantial desk fee) or would it be better to work for a smaller one with less/no training where I get to keep more of the commission? 

If the lot is over 7000 sqft and has 50' or more of frontage we can build a duplex which increases the value of a lot substantially assuming that duplex condos sell in that market. 

A substantial return on my time investment.  

We operate in a northern climate, and there is often substantial advantage to replace original windows - especially if they are old, built in-place, single glazed, single/double hung - with energy efficient double/triple glazed windows {casements are preferred as they are more efficient}.