I'm curious on where I should go to join a REI team that focuses mainly on creative finance?

A lot of different markets here in Ohio, so it's important to decide what factors you're really looking for.

As for receiving rents, mine all deposit into a bank account that is named after each address, then on the 5th of each month the money is all scooped out of those accounts into my main account.

Do you think there is any difference in the quality of unpermitted work vs. permitted?

Even the type of wood floor, tile, different colors of paint, bath fixtures, lighting etcAlways give specs and be very specific as you mention, otherwise it can cost you later on down the road

I do explain why and how agent's get paid and what their job is to the buyer so that they understand the price difference.

Rates are going to have "loan-level pricing adjustments" (LLPAs) that will have different rates depending upon Loan-to-Values, Credit Scores, Property Type, and many other factors.

However, time in the market makes all the difference in the world!

Whether the seller accepts it or not is a different matter and if they do accept it whether they still pay the commission is another different matter.

the book in the bp bookstore. i did the rookie boot camp 2y ago that i imagine this book is kind of based around, and one of the first steps was picking your strategy. the tough part is: THEY ALL WORK. but they all require different skill sets, different amounts of time, and will create a different-looking life for you once the ball is rolling. you have to lay out what skills you have, what you do and don't like doing, how much time you have, and what your vision is for your investor-life 5y down the line, and choose the strategy that aligns best with those things.