We did consider/evaluate that option, and have done multiple flips, but at those points have been under contract since New Year's Eve and carrying costs for another 2-3 months without a guaranteed sale is not the risk we want to assume.

Plenty of calculators out there for free and forums/groups on social media. 

From there we identify properties that could have some potential and if you are interesting in diving deeper, 1) we do a thorough video walkthrough to give you a realistic look of the property, 2) we give a ballpark estimate of rehab costs (we do 40 a year with our GCs o we will get pretty close), 3) we talk through market rent with our property management team, ARV, and potential highest and best use.Ideally you find great investor agents who know their market really well and have a network of resources to provide you with enough confidence to take reasonable action. 

Cost was not as much a determining factor.  

I was planning to send letters explaining the higher cost in taxes, market rents in the area, and then offer a gradual raise to meet in the middle somewhere.

Offer to do his inspections for free in exchange for some education on how to find, analyze, and fund deals.

The list are getting the information, and whether I can get it for free.

But the portfolio operations enabled both of those entities to use, in effect, government-related borrowing costs and sort of unlimited credit, to set up the biggest hedge fund in the world...So the portfolios are poison.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

The ones with really good reviews, and a high amount of reviews usually cost a little more, but do a good job.