I feel like the most important part is to have your boots on the ground to figure out what the sub markets are that you like and don't like.

I think the inspection would be more objective by a neutral 3rd party.

If not, what the tenant agrees to pay an RE agent is purely their prerogative, you're not party to their contract, correct?

You are a disqualified party to your IRA.  

That part I get. 

Supply is down and seller's are the advantaged parties in the deals, so they can generally get higher prices.

RRN is a new program being formed by the city of Norfolk for Norfolk landlords and tenants that not only provides free education for both parties, but also offers landlords free voluntary property inspections and a free marketing platform for any properties you have inspected.  

Perhaps a nice 1950's built bungalow.Always hire a 3rd party property inspector to give you an unbiased feel for the home.

And if you are the third party that has bribed Zillow for leads through this bait and switch mechanism- don't sign people up for your mailing list without their permission. 

The last town I lived in (in hindsight, probably too small to live in :/) many of the traveling nurses and other non-resident staff were supplied by a third party company.