@Mike T. my goal is to draw out motivated sellers.

Having a handy man background will help you to estimate the cost to rehab properties (even if you don't do it yourself.) your military service will give you access to VA loans.

Account ClosedYou probably will not be able to access the $5K equity in the home, too little.Is the 401k with the past employer?

You have access to MLS, you can run comps on any property, you can also go look at properties anytime you want.

Have to say, medical degree (formal education) definitely offers me the ability to amass "wealth" and certain freedoms my peers without such degrees don't have access to.

There are property management companies that will cost less than 1 month's rent and have access to the MLS but you have to look at the demographic of your area and see if it's likely most renters are working with a realtor (where I am, that's absolutely the case because of the high number of relocations).  

The mortgage brokers will likely have access to more funding sources and can probably get more creative with the financing than a local bank or credit union.Can you provide more details on your situation? 

Here is a recent example of a flip we acquired for less than $50k.Granted, you'd need access to additional funds for the renovation, but if you can work out a deal with a hard money lender or partner, why make $1k on a wholesale deal when you can make $20k by flipping the same property?

I'd never buy a property without mineral rights, if there was the slightest chance they could grant access to someone else.

Thanks Rob,  I shied away from Sch C in the past since I don';t have any business income where you do from your Agent business.