Looking to connect with local investors, agents, handymen, and lenders for the St Louis area. Hoping to purchase a few properties in the next couple of months. 

I was doing a lot of legwork and still paying RE agent for the transactions up until got my own license.pros: no commissions in your transactionseasier qualification as real estate professional to offset high W2 of spousecan get access to any house/ easy logisticsmore control in the transactionMLS access with all the information on tip of your fingers, you can move fast with the deallicense knowledge helps to make better decisions and gives broader understanding of the industrycan legally do property management for others, wholesale (many states now making outlaw to do it without license)cons:need to take an exam (it needs preparation and to be good not just barely pass you need to study)fees you pay along the way (MLS, brokerage(I signed with investor-focused on and have a monthly fee and a transaction rate))self-management including taxes and feesneed to relicense + paid education Don't forget the biggest con.

Depending on how well the property is run and the rents. 

I will of course also have an attorney approve and give feedback as well. 

Or will hiring a PM and reno team be a more realistic avenue for you (especially if you are looking for an area outside of where you are where the RE market may be hotter)After you find the answers to theses questions, I'd hunt down a great agent in your desired area and start searching! 

They also have my auto insurance, and I took out an umbrella policy with them as well.

I think you need a bit more information/clarity around what you are looking to accomplish.What ARV are you thinking? 

So if the property is in your name and you write a lease in the name of ABC Management that is completely fine since they are synonymous.What you're referencing is standard operating procedure for anyone starting a sole proprietorship who doesn't want to use their own name exclusively.Hopefully I've explained this well.

Hello team, I am in the process of exploring a potential investment for a potential flip.

@Ethen Sanchez While I don't know STL as well as KC, yes crime rates play a factor.