It seems to me that they all whether paid of free, will all have the same exact amount of houses because all the transactions are all public and so they seem to compete with each other based on the quality of the data of the houses, how up to date it is, and the user experience in configuring the how the layout is.

Hopefully you have a Checkbook IRA to avoid the red tape and fees of going through the custodian for each transaction.

How exactly does transactional lenders work?

When I was in your exact situation looking for help, they were the only ones that provided solid answers and walked my wife and I through the full transaction.

We've had a few applications but only one person meets minimum salary and credit score qualifications (meeting him tomorrow... fingers crossed!). 

Just know that it is a "no days off" kind of business and very mechanical.I would suggest documenting your process via video so that eventually you can bring people on to replace the different hats you will be wearing.Keep in mind of these 5 components of any wholesale business.lead generation, deal sourcing, underwriting, marketing, transaction coordination.

Please share any helpful resources, your personal experiences, and what you have found to be valuable with every transaction.

I feel like in today’s day in age there are so many tools for STR operations and I cannot believe there is no integration for a merchant of sale transaction or some kind of financial app/ software that can take the remitted taxes and pay them to the government automatically.

Be wary of the facebook groups as most folks will have a "pitch" or just see the possibility of a transaction.

I would suggest giving it up and just hire an agent when you are ready to transact in the future.