Quote from a Investor friend on another forumn in a similar recent question "An individual can do up to 3 in 12 months without becoming a mortgage loan originator so long as he's not selling as an LLC.  

There is so much information to overload yourself with, so many gurus with the next best thing happening, and so many different changing variables that its hard to decide what's best for you.First get clear on your personality, strengths and resources, then consistent action will teach you everything you need to know along the way.

@Amy BrociousA recent home(rental) we purchased:An individual came to me wanting to sell me his house.

Each one is looked at individually.

If you really want to learn and do your taxes yourself, H&R Block has classes they teach for about $400-$500 every fall.  

Now some banks might have a total lending cap for any one individual.

You may find later on that assigning contracts as a business venture can be different in the eyes of regulators and others involved in RE than an individual who just assigned a sales contract.

Beyond what any of your university courses may teach you, see if you can find a real estate investors group in your local community and go to it.

I believe it goes back to what the agent said individuals who have been pre-qualified but when the bank makes it's final decision they don't meet the criteria of having enough for closing and three months of the mortgage in savings people or the other numerous stipulations. 

If the LL is a big organization like a REIT they may be unwilling or unable to negotiate lease terms with individual tenants.Or maybe the LL just thinks their space is hot enough that they don't need to negotiate as another tenant will accept the default lease terms.