Physical REI is not a paper investment; almost anyone whose invested on paper numbers I am willing to bet is showing a lot less than the reality of if it unless they took realized gains by selling(into the appreciation rate) or cashed out refi. 

Just Google a hurricane map over the past 100yrs and you will realize it hasn't increased just more sensationalized due to media. 

What I didn't realize is that a "Petition for Rule to Show Cause Why Property Should Not Be Sold...." has to be filed by the tax authority attorney to get a free and clear sale, so it is still in "upset" sale territory. 

For me, what helped was realizing that no matter how much I researched, there would always be some level of uncertainty.

Didn't realize it would also play into the investment decision.

In fact, our tenants often tell us at the end of their stay that being in our homes is the single best rental experience of their lives... a couple have come back to us after renting other places because they missed the relationship (after they realized "other landlords suck" ha!  

@Zach Lemaster at Rent To Retirement has been a tremendous help in guiding me to realize the benefits of investing with a SDIRA! 

Ah I just realized my post wasn't clear, mea culpa.

Getting the sellers profiles sounds good, but not generally allowed.This might bight you later when the platforms realize you are not the original owners.I'd get everyone's contact info and tell them you are setting up new profiles under your name with your bank account etc. and ask them to rebook under the new profiles.Then I would offer discount pricing to start with to get more reviews and build your brand.

I didn't realize that I would need to go down to the branch in person to wire money when it was a more substantial amount.