I know it's not "set it and forget it" but I am not understanding how working in Pricelabs means more than just lowering prices or raising prices.

For the crowdfunding and similar platforms that are starting to rise, would the lower returns be a result of the diversification they provide or due to the different risks they come with?

•If jobless claims rise (above 240,000): Higher unemployment could push the Fed to act sooner, improving the chances of lower rates in the second half of the year.How This Data Could Impact Real Estate InvestorsScenario 1: High Inflation and Low Jobless ClaimsA combination of sticky inflation and a strong job market would reinforce the Fed’s stance that rates need to remain elevated.

My goal is to diversify with an investment that generates steady cash flow, even if it requires a larger upfront investment and lower overall returns. 

Is the higher price agent inflating to get the listing or is the lower price agent just not keyed in well enough in the specific neighborhood? 

As Guadalupe said above, a DSCR is a great option for buying with a lower DP but it comes with the caveat of higher interest rates; and as Nate said, National Bank of Coxsackie in Glenmont is a great local bank which wont sell your note to larger banks.

Plus today's rates for conventional loans are in the single digits, which are lower than hard money.

Guaranteed others are fine with a lower elevation, but I do not have water run over my foundation inside.

But, these broad market studies are so large, they are almost meaningless, in the real world.Between glut of new supply in many "hot" markets coming online, a continually softening economic outlook, inflation over last couple years making day to day items feel cost prohibitive, many average renters are strapped and seeking lower cost housing.  

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.