Instead of paying $1,000/month for old leads and buyers lists, you can:Join Discord & Facebook Groups – Tons of active wholesalers want to JV real-time deals.Network Directly with Cash Buyers – 10-30 serious buyers exist in almost every city.Skip Paying for Leads – Old leads have already been worked multiple times.

You can cold call or hire people to marketing for you. 

I can't see that happening.Consider what LTV % you are willing to consider if less than 100% and I recommend raising the rate you would pay since you can't get 5% anywhere.

I'd say it depends on the local market, but it's very common to have at least a stove and refrigerator in a rental unit.

It also does NOT pay more than market rent.

That was a substantial discount compared to my friends who were paying 2k+.

Being currently stuck in Australia, I have turned my attention to thinking about whether or not te-entering the property market here as an investor is a good idea.

Nobody thinks they can invest in the stock market with little money and retire, investing in real estate with little money and retire is equally unrealistic. 

My opinion is the fees you pay do not make sense.

The going rate varies by market, but some agents will do it for free in exchange for any unrepresented buyer leads, while others may charge $50-$100 depending on the demand in your area.Wishing you and your wife all the best—exciting times ahead!