I would focus on being an agent first and building that business.

He is very active in investing personally and most of his agents are too.

I actually do not know any PM companies that I believe are reputable in Hartford.You can DM me with town information and I'd be happy to talk about management or tell you other PM companies in the area that I believe are reputable.

The next day you get a RE State promulgated contract from them for full ask, but they want you to pay 2% towards their closing costs.Let's say it's a 500k house and the listing agreement is for 5%, with 2 to the sellers agent.

I'm seriously considering trying to find something there, but need to build up my knowledge and contacts of reputable agents and contractors etc.I'm interested in multi-family, STRs, commercial, self storage, and possibly even flips if the right opportunity came up.

Many of the cities are now requiring someone to be a Local Agent in Charge if you don't live in Cuyahoga County.

Other agents aren't as picky. 

How does agent commission work now? 

Quick heads-up: Starting January 4, 2025, Pennsylvanias Act 52 requires anyone involved in wholesaling real estate to be a licensed agent.

To get exposure as a real estate agent see if any experienced agents in your firm would allow you to assist with open houses or handle buyer referrals for them.