There are many companies out there and I wonder what the best strategy/fund is for choosing a diversified REIT through Vanguard. 

For quick math one month vacancy is almost 2k lost income, re-leasing expenses 2k and there are always at least 2k worth of work (sometimes just upgrades we choose to do).

How can one, who has only rudimentary knowledge in real estate without any boots on ground experience (read a few books), effectively choose a real estate agent?

@Frank Nguyen, depending on the exact area that you choose, this might work out for you.

First step is to narrow down what strategy you want to pursue, then choose the market based on the strategy. 

They can choose any business name they prefer and then obtain an EIN for it.

Hi BP! I'm a University of Maryland student studying business and about to go into my senior year. In a few years I'll be a rental property tycoon, but should probably get a job first to fund my RE business. And so, k...

Choose that one and use it.

They choose to use our service, which means less $ for them vs going it alone, and they love it!

Yes, insurance all over is going up, especially in FL with hurricanes and CA with fires which will have an effect here and other places.I was thinking that, if a lot of homes were damaged, there would be fewer undamaged ones to choose from, and greater demand, causing prices to rise.