I am fully educated on what's public online/and how to access that easily, and I'm looking around for subscription/pay options that offer more "actual raw data" (on deeds, history, leins and public records) than the county sites, basically.Research--for anything I identify as potentially interesting.

They are also constantly propping up the market by moving more reo's to auction.com and similar online or live sales.

I can find lots of options through online sources (Zillow, Redfin, Rentometer, etc.), but since none of these sites available to me show leased properties I'm having trouble finding good comps to list on the appraisal dispute form.

That you wisely build in the costs for replacement linens and towels (also offer black face towels), possibly don't use high-end top-down shades in the Bunk Room (although those black out shades match all the shades in the rest of the house and it's a high-end property), chalk can be brushed, semi-gloss on walls for easier clean-up... and yes, there are clear check-out directions to run the dishwasher provided via an online guest book, a physical guest book, and an email I send regarding check-out the day before they check-out.

If your 2k is just for their fee, not the other expenses, then call around or go online for estimates from other settlement companies so you can compare. 

Record high prices to buy a property and record high STR inventory coming on line seems to me like a very challenging situation to make the numbers work on a go forward basis… Anyone have advice?

You can fake paystubs online. 

Look for local groups or online spots like BiggerPockets, and use social sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

It seems like it would be around 2000 for decent quality RTA cabinets delivered from online, then probably 1500 for someone to install them.

Look at home listings, listen to talks, and join online chats to keep up-to-date and be flexible.Good luck!