I would like to offer without an agent on some deals I have found on my own both on Realtor.com and off market facebook groups 1) am I insane to try purchasing my first property without an agent?

I have been trying to sell the house for six months, initially listing for 710K, but I haven't received any offers.

This makes me want to try Airbnb one day. 

Trying to get the better rate at closing or general appreciation? 

Got into REI almost by accident and did what you said - shopped for the best terms to make each property perform the best.I did at one point try to consolidate, but any institution I found that didn’t sell mortgages had the worst terms: higher rates and typically ARMs, which I’m grateful for not taking because my rates would be crushing me now.I’ll look into other versions of some of the things you mention like cross colatteral and construction loan but not sure how that would work considering I don’t actually have any construction needs. 

Keep trying, learning, and "failing forward" and you'll figure out what works for you. 

Once inside be wary for large and small dogs that may come out of another room quietly and try to bite you.

Try interviewing at least three managers.1.

All parties over 18 must sign and return the lease agreement.

Too many new investors try to build a team before they have any credibility and then wonder why realtors or contractors don't return their calls.