Both approaches are far superior to the stock market or other investment alternatives.Strategy 1: The Large Down Payment RouteIf you have 20% or more to put down, you can often find properties that will cash flow from day one.

This method is far superior to going to Zillow, looking at random listings, and running them through a calculator. 

I think it is superior.   

There may be a few adjustments for superior materials, but not as much as you may think. 

This could mean pointing out why your property is superior in its market, or how it’s positioned to appreciate or generate income.

We've found it has superior reporting features, integration features, and is overall more efficient to work within than other REI-specific software.The downside is QBO is not set up for REI so you'll need to do that or work with an expert to ensure it is set up for your business appropriately.

Quote from @Sam Shikiar: Really just look at the lead quality when getting into a lead source, but typically it's not the lead quality.

Also make sure you have the premium version of AirDNA where you can see individual comps so you can exclude superior/inferior, make your own adjustments.

In my opinion, both have their pros and cons and neither is 100% superior to the other.

You understand the value of quality neighborhoods and you have found an agent who is connected to quality contractors.