We were all in on RE, putting all of our extra money we saved toward the next down payment and the renovations.

Hi Lisa, As an investor, I have worked with all types of realtors, but for investment property I would say that you have to have an experienced realtor in investment properties or you have to have enough experience for the deal to work with.Experienced Realtor will help you with the contract (which in many cases are not simple), but most importantly with spotting issues in the property that could cost you thousands.Your concern is valid so it is important to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement, in which case the realtor has to work for you over his/her own interest (or you can sue him).The idea is not to sue them, but to make sure you trust them enough to work with them. 

My recorded contract was the only thing that saved me he ended up buying me out of the property. 

Not trying to steal your ideas, but would you be willing to send me a couple example pictures of the extent of your theming?  

Also, bear in mind that I have no idea about your personal situations and objectives and I don't like giving cookie-cutter advice to people.

Should I save more money?

@Peter Shah Depending on what you use the $200K for there may be ample options to save some of this money for a couple of years and then use those savings to fund your next deal.

Would have saved, saved saved that money from roommmates and repeated the process again every year or two. 

You think you can save 10% by not hiring a property manager, then you lose far more because you don't know how to handle bad renters.

I had no idea that buyers were purchasing these homes with subprime mortgages.