The vast majority of private Landlords have no clue what they're doing whereas a professional knows the law, can spot red flags, and can find you a quality renter.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

This confuses me, I can tell from a basic layman way that something doesn't "look right" and should be repaired, but how do I know these costs professionally?

If one is a professional swimmer, they will train to always get better and improve their results and be able to swim long distances.

The closing agent has no responsibility in this.....they simply close the transaction as per the contract language and written agreements provided by the parties, they don’t go investigating/verifying such things.

Payment may not be made by third party checks.

I know a lot of working professionals that only do condos for this reason - they just don't have time to deal with the increased aggravation of a house.There is a lot less competition from fellow investors.

Came across a non collateral loan offer ( work as a physician and got a letter from a firm offering 50 K -200k for personal / professional use).

Yes, and the odds of You finding a qualified tenant as opposed the professional agents is remote.

I won't brag, I'll leave that to others but I will give you one important piece of advice.Being that you are a stay at home mom, which I am a huge fan of, you can classify yourself as a "real estate professional" for tax purposes.