However, if it is a purchase transaction, the deal can still get done, the deal would just need to qualify as a standard rental (lender won't know you are renting by room post-close).

Todays standards are far different as you know..

Best way to understand this is research appraisal standards and means. 

I don't necessarily need the standard features of pm software, such as rent collection, bookkeeping and maintenance requests, though that could help; but do need a clearinghouse of important information, such as leases, legal docs and other information; maintenance vendors I use; maintenance history; and some kind of tracking system, where I can record the various current projects I'm working on within the business.

(eg, if your lot is not the standard 25 x 125, but some other multiple where the width is actually skinnier than 25, and the lenghth is longer than 125, and you want to reduce side setback requirements, eg.) 

So, my standard thought is they are either not as successful as they put out in the world (and need $20-30k), or they are charging you to sell you something more.

@Ezra Avery you might want to read below to understand Classes of Property/Tenants.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

A 5% of incoming rent for each category is a pretty standard amount to budget.

@Polat Caglayan very ambiguosu question, but read the helpful info below to guide your next set of questions:)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

If I had grasped this concept five years ago, my achievements today would be even greater.