Then, they save money and you gain some control. 

My absolute favorite part of my job is controlling the pricing of the vacation homes we manage and squeezing the maximum revenue from each home.

For starters, NAR has zero control over what non affiliated MLS's do.

Plus each of these markets have some level of rent control, which will make it difficult to raise rents on existing tenants.

I'm reminded from non-RE friends about how I take risks with real estate and I should be try to be mortgage free but when I look at my stocks, I have no control over the value other than to buy or sell. 

Investing in real estate is a multifaceted journey that demands learning, exploration, financial readiness, property evaluation, and risk control.

I did not want to continue to rent it out after Covid moratorium and Oregon rent control laws, so did not renew the tenant's lease.

That would give you an idea, but an agent will be a more precise ARV with real comps and also can recommend you the areas.Metroplex is big so also check that the realtor is experienced in the market area that you are looking for.

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

As soon as you say rent control is legal, you already lost your private property rights.