@Erik HansenIn addition to the smart locks, intrusion detection / cameras, flood sensors at sinks, you may want to look at automation for your thermostat as well.

My entire business model for renting apartments was centered around FB Marketplace, that had to change.I had very good reserves going into the deal, but for a building that cost $480K, I had to sink at least $50K more in materials, labor, legal costs, at least $40K on top of that in lost rent revenues.

@Denzel FaulkenIf you buy one get a leak detection system put on it so if it detects a leak it shuts off water to the heater.

Those names you listed are just marketplaces, I assume you're looking for actual sponsors and operators.

I understand everyone has to get started someplace, but if you only do 1-2-3 contracts a year in an active marketplace, I would say in most cases for most people you are doing them a disservice....you have a fiduciary responsibility to them...they deserve an expert.Access to MLS....just have your realtor set up searches for you for free, or pull comps on the few offers you will probably make. 

There are some heloc lenders  willing to  go higher than a  80% cltv ... revised  idea ...put 225K  down ( 30% ) and  have 275K  cash left over and  some  immediate  equity room for a HELOC ...in the  Seattle marketplace - some sellers  may  shy  from a  VA offer  if  comparing it to a cash or  conventional loan offer...this is  because of the perceived stringent VA appraisal  process that really   doesnt  exist and also  because with a VA loan - a seller is required to pay  for some of the buyers  fees  which lowers the sellers  proceeds ....if a  VA  offer is made on a  proeprty thats  been on the market for awhile - this likely wont be an issue 

If you believe in the power of their brand in the market place, then it might be worth it.2) Being viewed as a serious agent in the market place, both by the general public and other agents.Really the second plays off of the first. 

Honestly, most of the negativity I hear in the marketplace about New Western Acquisitions is from investors who have never done business with us and/or never met one of our agents to discuss how we work.The investors I work closely with do their own due diligence before purchasing a home and are in majority repeat buyers.

But, case law and what's really happening in the market place suggest differently.

I have a friend who separated who did and still does the same thing; she works as a dog trainer supporting general obedience training and agency/police/security canine detection work.