I have done it multiple times and always suggest it as the best way to start.

"It's a numbers game".Ohh and please ignore all the other people here on biggerpockets asking the exact same question dealing with your exact same issues complaining that they all are getting the same horrible results.

I have used them multiple times in the past. 

If there is, get a real appraisal with as is and ARV and put together a REAL SOI that you think is conservative from multiple GC's.

LOL but this route you have only 4 weeks to contact all the sellers MULTIPLE TIMES.- The golden rule in my group is the seller has to have a deal, the numbers work, be willing to sign, be willing to move out no later then 7 calendar days prior to the auction!!!!! 

@Deirdre Lizio like any business, you will encounter customers that:1) Appreciate great service and are willing to pay for it2) Appreciate great service, but are price sensitive3) Only care about the lowest price, yet unrealistically expect great service4) Multiple variations of the above...Unfortunately, the majority of us default to #3:(

Beyond the lessons from the projects themselves, building a business that’s efficient, diversified, and focused on the luxury market has been a game-changer.

Buying with an LLC is a great way to safeguard yourself and your property, highly recommended, however, if you’re purchasing through an LLC that was not formed specifically for the purposes of acquiring your investment property, ensure you own more than 50% as LLCs can get complicated with multiple equal shareholders.

So multiple eyes and local expert providing local cost and input on lifespan.Here is an example that has a part that is more expensive in my market than other markets (unlike most parts that are the same everywhere, so in this case your cost should be significantly less due to both cheaper part and cheaper labor): $1600 40 gal water heater installed (this is good price for a plumber, a little high for a handyman) with expected life of 12 years (i have some that go 20 years and some that die in less that 10 years (mostly rheem die in less than 10 years), 12 years is fair life expectation

If that does happen, there’s always multiple solutions to that.