He could have paid a little bit more on the purchase and had a realtor (for his entire career) that would have had his best interest at heart. 

. - Certified Technology SpecialistAre these specializations widely known about by other professionals and/or potential clients and truly helpful in gaining more clients and advancing your career, or is this something that only this website offers that no one will really know what they are? 

When I finish with school I really want to get into the real estate industry but do not know what should be an entry level position or a first step in a real estate career.  

So even though I'm having to start my real estate career on the side, I get a lot more done than people who have to commute and who work away from a computer/desk.

You are probably at the best or one of the best ages to start your real estate investment career, you are young and that is the best time since time is a big factor in real estate investing.

I know very little about what options I might have in that regard, or who would be a good person to deal with in order to find a suitable property/situation for an exchange.                                         

I am currently considering becoming an appraiser as a career choice. 

Appreciated as well, is any advice or tips you have for a beginner, what are some small things that you wish you had known before you began your career as a landlord?

In my opinion it is super important to find my value and then use that as a way to ease my way into REI as a full time career, If I can help an investor by managing a few projects while he/she focuses on the bigger picture it can be a win win situation, or even help an out of town investor by giving them the confidence of investing in area where they do not live.My question is- how man investors actually use the services of a PM?

Yeah, a real estate oriented career seems to be a good direction.