Hi @Robert Murphy  welcome to BP.Analyst is a good entry level position and some brokers might even offer you a junior associate position right off the bat for commercial real estate sales.If you're not already involved, start checking out NAIOP and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).Best of luck!

I've learned a lot about vacancy rates, market rents, cap rate, etc. from a commercial lender I've used who is also does a little investing on the side.One other potential resource would be if there is an apartment owners association in your area. 

If my association with market leader is beneficial in increasing traffic for myself through the merger.

In regards to the LLC, can someone invest with retirement funds and still receive the tax benefits associated with the investment?

You hit nail on the head - A LOT of buyers and investors are spreading out into formerly less-desirable neighborhoods for the cheaper prices, flip/rehab opportunities, and the less-stringent neighborhood association permitting policies (*ahem* anti-mansionization ordinance).In fact, LA Curbed.com recently did an article showing YoY increases in appreciation.

I am not an attorney, but I have served many years as the treasurer of a homeowners association and have had to go through the process a number of times.

As standard contracts are subject to the seller providing marketable title if they can't you get your EM back that's its.. and your not entitled to your appraisal fee or others costs associated with the transaction unless you specifically have that worded in your contract which most boiler plate contracts do not have.

Depending on your investing volume you could also bring someone on as an "associate" of yours, with a small amount of pay to do the legwork with commissions paid on anything you close. 

I'm an associate at an investment sales firm in Dallas. 

Well the REI is obviously a smart move to learn the area, and i plan on guest attending the local club in my area (Lake Erie Landlord Association [LELA]) soon.