Generally Niles is pretty good to work with if you have your ducks in a row prior to engaging with them.

Unless the end buyer specifically engages you for your help with something.

They did not respond so it appears they are another game player.

Suggesting that others engage in it is irresponsible.  

The C.A.R. forms are standardized and accepted throughout the state; they have already been reviewed/approved by attorneys and have been determined to be legal; real estate agents, attorneys and judges are already familiar with them; and some (most) brokers probably require their agents to use the standard C.A.R. forms when engaging in real estate transactions.Whether it's the "best" lease, well that depends on what you need. 

Many people waste years, in no thousands of dollars, before coming to this realization.There is still a roll for you to play, even if you're not "passionate about real estate".Think of it like a live professional sporting event...There are players on the field, fans in the stands and vendors (usually selling fan gear) inside and outside the stadium or arena.Everyone has a part to play, and when it goes well, everyone has a great time.The folks on the field are the ones who should be on the field.

Welcome to BiggerpocketsWhile real estate is excellent to build a fortune,a job makes for a living and down payments.Many BP members here do real estate investing part-timeThere are skills(marketing to motivated sellers, negotiating a great deal,financing a purchase/exit strategies etc) to be mastered to make for financial freedomSure,you have come to the right place.Read, listen,learn, engage the communitySee you in the forums

@Bryan Hancock  Also I defiantly think this regional as well.1 million in certain markets for low value asset players can go a long way.in our markets here in Oregon and yours in Austin that's one house maybe 2 .. at least new build specs.and in most of the bay area or better parts of LA its one if your lucky  Same with high dollar east coast or north side Chicago etc.

I'd like to transition into real estate investment, and that's the reason I'm part of the BP community.But, I'm curious.. for those who are already engaged in RE investment, what tools or technologies do you think the industry could use and benefit from that doesn't really exist yet?

In the Seattle market there are a couple players for HM, then a bunch of hacks.