I feel like many of the people I have used in the past just don't really grasp all the benifits of our profession.

I am a nurse by profession, currently living in south Jersey and originally from central New Jersey.

The difference is similar to FSBO vs Realtor in your profession.

That's a great age and awesome profession to be in to start doing some real estate.Like others if you can do a 203k or homestyle renovation loan that is the best to build some instant equity with the least amount of money out of your pocket.Do you have enough capital for a 3.5-5% down payment? 

You are probably right but I worry that with a significant injury- MVA, fire or heck now a days someone slipping on a banana peel that could result in a multimillion dollar lawsuit especially more likely if they know you are in a high income profession or own RE.

There will always be lazy people in all professions.

I currently have an extremely successful career in fitness, and it is my fulltime profession. 

Great advice above, as I'm sure it's a lot more work than we all think, as it is in any profession, but you are not crazy.

Are they in a particular profession/industry, do they have a similar family size, etc?

The Code is designed to protect the public and maintain confidence in the real estate profession.