For now, I want to use a RE license to help buy my own investment properties through the MLS and deter fees for buying.

I’ve been through all the programs, even Scott Meyers and the storage rebellion far exceeds them all. 

Any communication after this between the two of us, I would appreciate go through Jordan, since I truly do not need any added extra stress.

We've gone through the Site Plan Approval process with the City, have officially split the lot into three parcels, and are expecting to receive our building permits this week (yay!).

Selling through them is fraught with frustrations.

You should try to find an active investor-friendly agent who is consistently sending you deals through various lead sources they created over time.As you continue to work with them, you'll build a relationship with them, and they'll send you these deals before everyone else.Another strategy you can try is looking for wholesalers.

Trying to consider all of the other benefits to house hacking like loan paydown, long term wealth building through real estate, learning to be an investor and landlord by getting on site experience, etc. to help me make the best decision.  

Newer brokerage policies in our mls have more clearly separated listing and buyer broker fees, so you can likely interview nearby buyer brokers who will provide the service for a set cost or possibly work with you to represent you on an agreed upon sales commission where if seller doesn’t offer to cover it, there’s a minimum you’ve agreed to pay to broker on any purchases that are realized through their service.

However, they will not receive any tax deferral through a 1031 exchange unless they buy one or more of the identified properties on their list. 

Several people I spoke with or who I knew through contacts just said no without even looking into it.