well i got out and put alot miles on, got alot of productive info. accomplished alot.

I looked at him.He must have smelled the self-pity on my face.Here is what just happened to me.I worked for a small firm in Constriction Engineering Products, Johnson Controls, that sold air and water control equipment to large apartment and commercial building contractors.  

My first priority will be to select a quality paint product and then to get at least 3 bids on application with specific details on preperation. 

Narrow the scope of your business by providing a niche that you do better than anyone else and keep improving on your execution by always upgrading your product, people, and processes. 

I'm very busy but I feel I'm not being as productive as I should be.Any advice/tips would be helpful.  

In my experience the premier agent position isn't worth it unless you 1) have more than 50% of the time slots, and 2) have more 5 star reviews than anyone else that will be listed as an agent in the area.  

What's the downside to buying the building, and renting to students compared to a massive conversion product to sell units individually to people likely to rent them?

Yes, you are selling their products as an affiliate.

I quit my job and started my own production business which didn't work out so well.

Direct mail will get you there on ANY real estate product type.STEP 2: Never pick up a hammer.