I'm not sure what part you are looking to purchase but if I can be of any assistance in what you would expect through your transaction(might be slightly different in all states) let me know how I can help! 

It seems like a small community and I certainly want to learn as much as possible, get the experienced necessary to be a good steward of other's money and be a real player in the space. 

I have some inquiries from people on social assistance who indicate they can afford the rent.

Well respected and can either assist or direct you in the right direction.

simply put though Jim just ask the broker to break down the 9% I suspect he is lumping in your seller paid closing costs and being a good agent and prepping you for the fact that the buyers will need a seller assist that comes from your side.if he is charging 9% commission plus fees thats another matter but again on low priced properties I would expect that .. otherwise probably not worth his time and he encourages you to sell them yourself ??

My problem is I am stuck between starting my career as a RE assistant to shadow a successful agent and learn their daily processes or begin in property management to learn all aspects involved in that field.

Get a virtual assistant from Fiverr.com, they can cold call for $3-$5 per hour.

Keep breathing, see what sort of assistance is being offered to renters in your community and be willing to share that information with your new tenants as well.

Hi guys, I am currently an assistant college basketball coach diving into real estate investing. 

My tenant and family are also all there so I visit once a month and would be happy to offer you and your wife any assistance I can.