@Anita AnandHi Anita, Iike many I struggled with some of the emotional aspects you mentioned.

Of course they will try to move you into KW so weigh cost/benefit if there is an aspect of the business KW has a training for that you’d like to attend, go for it.

Utah REIA - Presentations on different aspects of real estate. 

IMO the most important aspect of a great investor agent is their network.

I'm a local investor in Columbus OH and I'm a big fan of dollar cost averaging in all aspects of investing.

I paused that because I don't enjoy the market research and selling side of it, but when I dig deep, I realize rentals are not going to be any more enjoyable in those aspects (trade selling with renting/managing), and would be even more hassle in general.  

From your answers, my take is that you're all as much into the business aspect of real estate as you are into the investment aspect.  

Welcome to BP community Nick Jones  It is a great place to meet new friends and learn about various aspects of real estate and more.

Each lender may specialize in different aspects (renovation loans verses rental loans) or simply help you know if your preferred lender is keeping pace with the overall market.

One benefit that a longer term provides is that invested capital is not returned as fast, but I think that is less important than these other aspects.