We have recently opened a new brokerage here and are ready to hit the ground running.

@Dimitry Peters It sounds like you are still in the learning phase.

I am trying to get my list of potential contractors now, so I can have some rough estimates, sift through the ones that aren't a good fit, and hopefully hit the ground running, should I find and close on a property.

If you know the turnaround areas (by being boots on the ground) and can self handle the management you can probably make a bundle in cash flow.and CASH IS KING!

My business partner and I are excited to share we’ve taken solid action in the past few months to get our business off the ground.

As for the thread in general - I am not pro rent control, but some of these doom and gloom comments are not born out by the realities on the ground   

At this phase of the market everybody with money but not always sense is looking for a place to invest.

I'm in my learning phase and just starting to analyze deals.

Most of these programs are only as valuable as you make them, so still be prepared for quite a lot of work either way.There is a middle ground here, which is building out your own network and providing value in the ways you can vs. hiring out.

I've sent him a strongly worded letter along the lines you suggested; nothing phases this freeloader.