Should I offer to pay them for their consultation, or are these types of questions common as part of the PM vetting process and is a "courtesy service"?

The idea is to find a pocket or neighborhood that offers the right combination of estimated ROI and rental demand, giving a balance of cash flow and tenant demand.In my view, this approach provides a more reliable signal of demand than relying solely on pricing adjustments or short-term market trends.

Some investors thrive in these situations, while others prefer clearer paths to ROI.Before proceeding, consult with a real estate attorney and conduct a title search to uncover any surprises.

For example, the most important job of a property manager is securing reliable tenants—those who stay for many years, always pay rent on time, and take good care of the property.

I feel your pain.It seems that if a servicing company underperforms or if there are compliance problems, lenders switch to a more reliable servicer.

Also, juggling multiple rehabs often means building a core team of reliable contractors and setting firm project timelines.

Whether an individual consultant or a mentor through a program, mentors provide the foresight and support you eventually need because of their experience.

Not practicing law in your state though, so you need to consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction to see what to do

It’s crucial to consult your lender, document everything, and seek advice from a real estate attorney or CPA to align with your long-term goals.Good luck!

Ultimately, consulting with a real estate focused accountant is the move here, but this should be a helpful primer.