So naturally I went and got my license!  

Real estate agents, especially the good ones, can be very helpful when it comes to running "comps", an analysis of what other houses in the area are selling for, similar in nature.

Also, that person is going to gravitate naturally to the person in the group with the most experience in doing deals.  

Asbestos can become airborne from the wind blowing across soil that naturally contains asbestos.

Does it matter if that was theft, natural disaster, tenant caused problem, maintenance issue (like water damage because pipe bursts etc)?

And they should, as the nature of the transaction, and the parties, vary greatly (or that is the assumption). 

Ultimately just pick your market and as things change you'll start seeing the niche area you naturally do better in.

If there are nearby big-boy subs going in sometimes guys I know will go with those agents just to have a ready-made "in", i.e. that agent/agency is already working the subdivision so it's a natural push if they get someone that complains about cookie-cutter.2.

This is just human nature whether you are talking about real estate or not.Another issue is some people have a scarcity mentality and don't want to help their competition.I regularly get asked to mentor people, they offer to help in return for my knowledge.

I like the beauty of the natural brick.