I'm far from a professional, but I've played the game you're referring to a couple times.

Type in a Zip Code, select a Search Radius, and the type of professional you seek...in your case, a Real Estate Broker.

The best comps are ones you do yourself or have a real estate professional you trust do them.

I entertain deals throughout my state, but, we have so many MLS sites that finding professionals who are a part of that market and then working with them seems convoluted.What do you think?

I am an IT professional and I am not looking to replace my day job, but I am hoping to increase my knowledge and find like-minded individuals in my area that I could possibly work with on some projects. 

I have a couple of properties that I've purchased over the last several years and I'd like to learn from a seasoned professional about what my options are and how I can continue to invest or reinvest my current position.

Indecisive sellers, back-stabbing deal stealers, confused and inexperienced title co's, legal and other 'professionals'.  

Professionals with decades of experience and very impressive track records do all the heavy lifting for you.

The RE world is relatively brand new to this career HR professional.

I do think you have options available to you that will prevent the "worst case scenarios' that you are envisioning are not going to come true if planned out correctly with the right professional.