Paid platforms often offer additional features like market analytics, off-market property leads, and filters for investor-specific criteria, giving them a leg up over free options.Exactly, most platforms have to offset cost somewhere because of how expensive it is to keep the data up to date.

. :)This is especially true if you rely on furnishedfinder.com as your primary lead source (which you shouldn't, but that's another post) as when you make that connection with a prospective resident, you are selling yourself as a landlord as much as you are the property as a place to live.

Never heard of a voucher tenant being responsible for maintenance and repairs, rental licensing fees, lead testing upkeep, cap ex, reserves, book keeping and tax prep......and even if you self manage, it takes up your time and should be treated as an expense because its taking away from your ability to earn income elsewhere. 

They market and sell the lead to an end user. 

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

How comfortable are you with the idea of trusting agents to lead showings versus allowing prospective tenants to tour properties on their own? 

It’s risky but can lead to significant returns!

Otherwise, broker classes that lead to a real license are cheap.If you want to become a real broker, earn a real license.

As a starting point: -If they work full time and make $700k a year -Don't want to or can't spend time self managing a short-term rental -Don't have a spouse who wants to take the lead on managing the rentals They are likely not going to directly reduce their taxable income with real estate year-to-year. 

It may be helpful:I can give you some general info on insuring the property:Here are some things to look for from an Insurance prospective:1.Any in-ground tanks (active or inactive)2.Any Knob & Tube or Aluminum Wiring3.If built before 1978, does the building have Lead Safe certifications4.Any wood stoves or secondary heating units.