I have about $100k in capital reserves and can leverage the 2 properties for additional capital, as needed.

A clean, neutral-looking curb gives prospective homebuyers a chance to visualize their own additions/upgrades.

Paid platforms often offer additional features like market analytics, off-market property leads, and filters for investor-specific criteria, giving them a leg up over free options.Exactly, most platforms have to offset cost somewhere because of how expensive it is to keep the data up to date.

Additionally, your brother would inherit your cost basis in the property, which could result in significant capital gains tax if he sells the property later.

Additionally, make sure you’re familiar with local property laws and any regulations that could impact your investment.I agree with @Jason Wray that you can easily find a cash flowing deal under 200k. 

You can surely buy cheaper properties and obtain the same debt pay-down, but now you've got 5x the head-ache, so right asset class is more about efficiency when it comes to debt pay-down.Tax shielding is similar concept in that more expensive properties directionally give you more building basis to depreciate, which means less net income to tax.

If you currently rent for $2,500 and take the $1,750; you have additional positive cash flow of $750 for your rent situation.Have you thoroughly looked over the capex potential issues? 

It could go higher with additional work to the house.

This was not what I was interested in doing and when I voiced that I was interested in 5-20 unit deals and had the funding for that in place I just got additional push back for buying the larger buildings.

If I were to do a traditional VA loan, the loan would be close to 7%.Below are what I understand to be the numbers so far:Seller purchased the property in DEC 2022 for $1.13M (owned for 2yrs)Current estimates are Zillow= $1.26M/  Redfin=$1.323MOur agreed purchase price is $1.25MSeller financing would be $120k @ 8% for 3yrs.No commission cost.Small percentage of fees/ costs in the tune of 1.5% of loan amount.Let me know what you think and if you need any additional info.