Brokers might look at the best deals for themselves first but that doesn't mean they can buy them all or take down all deal sizes.I have some clients with millions and some individuals with tens of millions.

I would suggest the private individual route as well.

In some cases people are desperate and individual owners are more likely than management companies to forego the actual processing.In any case, we are not wasting an applicants money.In all cases we will take the FIRST qualified applicant. 

Additionally, I assume there are as many approaches to seriously entering this business as there are investors, but am I missing anything on this list?

You'll be able to meet others who have dealt with these individuals and also sense their integrity and reliability.Stay away from anonymous online lenders, if that's how you found this one, and anyone else making fantastic promises.

The tenants will pay their individual electric/gas, but I would be responsible for heating the home. 4. 

Per the listing agent the seller is bitter and has decided he will not allow the appraiser to enter the building.

Individuals or concerns that provided funding, originated the obligation.

I would really enjoy the possibility to meet like minded individuals and see what I can learn about what's working in our market also to network and develop.

One really weird thing about being an REI investor full time now is that in both roles I would enter an apartment (hundreds of apts over the years in both roles), spend 5 minutes assessing the situation and walk out.Is your passive or business income from real estate the same, greater, or lesser than when you were working a job?