I just don't think it's worth bringing your kids into these matters for any other reason than to teach your kids about real estate and business.

Definitely excited to make contacts here and become more knowledgeable through these interactions/teachings. 

I do believe this site was created for the purpose of sharing, teaching, learning and networking.

(I'm now married to a broker, but that may be a bit extreme to get MLS access) Second is for the commissions whether personal or otherwise.The classes will teach you how to comply with the law as an agent, but do not teach you how to invest, or how to build a good business.As @James Wise said, you certainly need to interview some brokers.

That's just not my style, not my ideal life.

Wish more people would study up on Internal Revenue Service installment sales for residencesIt's important not to confuse the seller about the toy using and teach them every in and out re: the legality of installment salesThe wonderful thing about a private mortgage is it's a note that can survive the seller's death, and if they love their kids the kids will get the money surviving, and if they love the church or college, the charity can get that cash flowThink about this get 10 houses on installment sale that cash flow with the tenants paying the private note and down the road you will have 10 properties free and clear without even going to a bank to buy them!

You might be a couple years away from legally being able to sign contracts, but you might find someone at REI meetings who would hire you and teach some aspects of the business that will set you up for success down the road.

I think you can probably make a good start in investing in just about anywhere if you look hard enough but you may need to use different strategies and styles to match the local situations.

Paying close attention to every nuance is huge as every conversation, interaction, deal, etc. can teach us things about our market, the business, and ourselves.  

That your agent and you would like to keep this just between the agents and have him rpesent the offer and let it be a teaching moment for his listing agent.