Inevitably, there are some that are not cut out for the turbulence and want to sell after less than a year of ownership.

In response, I had a plumber and a water restoration company come to assess the situation.The restoration company cut into the drywall, and the plumber thoroughly inspected all the pipes, performed a leak test, and conducted a pressure test.

Microsoft Excel, and most budget or free online bookkeeping isn't going to cut it in this situation.For the rental properties you own directly, I often tell clients and prospects that a P&L in Microsoft Excel is just fine and a balance sheet is not necessary for tax purposes. 

My main concern is whether it's hard to meet their criteria for properties and secure funding.

Though the property and surrounding areas look nice in the pictures, the doors and windows has bars which concern me.I am just starting our my RE investment journey and all help is greatly appreciated.

So the 14.75% (15%) is just their cut.

Unfortunately, I tend to agree that they really are not concerned with whether or not you have to cancel bookings. 

Why I am leery of these "creative" things for people with little to no money One of the concerns of going to fast is over extending beyond their resources. 

The agent will have access to the biggest platform to get the property sold though, the MLS, so forgoing even a cut rate agent will create more of a loss than the agent fees themselves. 

My concern is whether the city could deny permits for these modifications, such as removing walls or converting a garage, or if they are mainly just concerned with safety and habitability.