Real estate is a people industry so networking is important.

I noticed some of the wealthiest people I knew owned real estate.

But I agree with @Jay Hinrichs it does not make sense to do it like this.

Many people purchase without an agent at first, and as long as you know your strategy & numbers it is reasonable.

I've done this with my properties because I'm well known in my small town and don't want people to know what I own.LEGAL PROTECTION: By placing your assets in an LLC, you are legally separating them from your personal assets.

Then again I see so many people STRing in year 1 just to convert to LTR in year 3 once the big cost seg is done and in the bag.

I've heard from people who say a coach can make a world of difference, but you really have to pick the right coach.

There are quite a few people who must be going after vacant or older people with free and clear titles.... 

Others, like this one, are so blatantly bad that the sheer volume of people raising money for them have destroyed the reputation of fund of funds across the entire industry.

figure that out and the pieces that you don't have - partner with people who do.