I have a very close contact who is a CRE developer, and he wants me to jump ship and head over to his shop at some point in the future. 

Since you're just starting out getting out there to meet people and talk shop is probably the best way to get the lay of the land.

Shop your local smaller banks.  

Machine shops, cabinet shops, composite company, Oil/gas industry suppliers?

I totally recommend you shop around.

It is a great one stop shop to see what other rentals are going to be listed for comparing to my place.Postlets Platform – I love postlets because it is a one stop shop.

But they are the best as pm and vice versa.One stop shop: When using QuickBooks you can use it as a property management and accounting software. 

Master problem solving skills, you aren't shopping on the MLS like a sham flim flam type, you're looking for distressed properties and distressed owners, understanding your buyers, the market and the rules allows you to solve problems, that's part of your service.8.

Have you found it easier to buy materials from one main distributor (Home Depot, Menards, Lowes etc.) or is the time it takes to shop around and find the best deals on every item worth it?

I'd shop around.