The only ones who seem to be successful either have a strong referral business and don't even need to market to buyers or are already agents/brokers who come across the occasional wholesale type deal.Not trying to knock you at all, just giving some food for thought and observations that I've gathered.  

Occasionally I've seen bad cards that are nothing more than "James Bond, Man of Mystery" cards, which are just as bad. 

We have access to a discount properties nationwide, including non-performing notes occasionally.

Maybe check on it occasionally, but don't dedicate any more real time to it.

Still, there is an occasional full-cycle + experienced sponsor that pops up on the crowdfunding platforms.

My advice is start with a place you know and like (OK, not SF) as a short term rental might allow you to use it occasionally.

I’m thinking of becoming an agent mostly for investing purposes (networking , MLS access, education) and for occasional sales.

I don't want to be sent to an agents website and forgotten with the occasional market analysis.  

Occasionally you get lucky and an owner's contact info is on the business docs.  

I’d love to have a hands off stvr that cash flows and I can use occasionally!