I actually believe that she may work for the state of Illinois.5.

I get 10% on my money private lending, so making less than 10% while also having the risk and work of owning a rental... doesn't make sense to me. 

As you mentioned always do your own due diligence.

My research has turned up a rural area with a decent rental market where 68% own and 32% rent.  

Also I'm not quite sure how it works as far as agents go I saw something that buyers and sellers both don't have their own agents?

If you haven't gotten any bites on your own then try using an agent and negotiate their commission. 

I’m a huge fan of the multi-family model of investing and would like to eventually build up to owning apartment complexes.

I have seen a few try to get started over there last several years, but none seem to have survived (or are really bad at SEO and marketing) since I was not able to find any the several times I have searched.That being said, I know Cadre has launched a secondaries market for their own investment offerings, but that is limited in scope to Cadre positions, and is currently closed anyways and will be "re-opening soon". 

My journey was with Own It Detroit and my main point of contact was the owner, Mousa.

It's either self-manage, or full property management, while I need something in the middle.Some more details on my situation:I own an STR in Gulf Shores, AL and the vast majority of it is automated.