One thing I like is that they negotiate with national builders to get higher discounts and incentives on homes far beyond what I could as a small investor only buying 1 to 2 properties a year. 

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.

Before getting into real estate, I dabbled in Information Technology where the concept of open source software runs strong.

She also said they have been in business for a long time, that they had proprietary software that used county records to find vacant properties in any state and that they were "A-Rated" by the BBB.

Hi David,It is pretty easy to do your taxes yourself with one of the popular software like TurboTax or H&R.

I have a discount set up of 15% for the 60-ish days, and based on Beyond Pricing, those days are in low demand. 

Software is very personal.

David Greene makes a video about once a quarter on the BP podcast showing how to do this and usually he gives out a discount code for BP premium.If you need the MLS do you have a friend with access that you can do comps with?

As housing gets more expensive, buyers may have to buy condos/townhomes as their first home so don't discount the future of your journey, now.

Also, we all have about the same rates - so pick someone you like and you have confidence in.If you have a lender with substantially lower rates than everyone else, you are paying for that rate in the form of origination fees and discount points.