Wondering what kind of numbers to conservatively budget for a worst case scenario?

It's easy to lose money making common mistakes, including trusting your tenants to be honest.

I made the mistake of buying his book with "12 hours of bonus video content" that is basically Pace talking about each chapter of his book as he drives around to some of his properties.

I certainly expect to make mistakes, but hope to minimize through mentorship from others, and what knowledge I have gained through appraisal experience. 

That is the worst advice that could be given, which coincidentally only someone who believes that would find value in your software.   

Even if it's $1,000 - $2,000, when I've looked at it as an investment in my business, I usually have been quicker to start making money and making less mistakes.  

Certainly you can do it on your own, but time is money and the longer it takes you to learn it by 'just doing it' will cost you lots of time and perhaps thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in mistakes.

Best case scenario I have a good experience with all 3 providers and worst case none of them stand out. 

You can hear real-world examples of how others have built their investment portfolio and (hopefully) learn to avoid their mistakes.4.

thanks for your input. im not concerned. ive just never done hard money. thanks for your insight and information. i have all of the information you suggested will be required. im attempting this next week. my worst case scenario is a hard no. that just makes me work harder