It doesn't seem unrealistic that a contrator that quotes a repair could get the job from the buyer.

I agree, and disagree, TBH.I agree that expectations can be unrealistic, that anyone who says it's easy is lucky or much smarter than me, and that you're absolutely correct about not buying into the hype being very important.This said, I do have some feedback based on my own experience (which I guess like some others is a bit of an "outlier") - take it as you will, it's not meant to demean or say you're wrong / have done something poorly; it's just to give another perspective, and maybe some ideas. 

This causes spectators and followers to have unrealistic expectations, especially if they're new in the industry.

I could honestly say that Jimmy Napier was responsible for leading me into a very successful career as a trust deed investor.I have read most of the real estate books now available; the majority are so bad and unrealistic I can't get thru them.

Eric I respect your opinion but do not agree with the (ludicrous) remark.Every time I here this flat fee scenario it is the same as the FSBO.Simply put if it was that easy EVERYONE-EVERYWHERE would use a flat fee service.I do not know the types of properties you are selling but I suspect they are very well done rehabs priced in the middle to lower pricing to sell fast.In that case as I mentioned the price and quality will draw buyers and agents in regardless of the commission as appraisal is usually easier.I don't see this as all the properties on the market.Many properties have unrealistic sellers and buyers.This requires multiple price reductions,appraisal issues,more negotiations,etc.

I have had countless mishaps with unrealistic buyers, crazy sellers and horrible tenants.

If they have unrealistic expectations of what I'm trying to do, it will end up wasting a lot of my time and get their hopes up for no reason (which will leave them angry at me in the end).Remember, your service will only strike a nerve with a small segment of the people you're mailing to - so don't be bashful about steering the wrong people away.

The experience definitely set me up with some unrealistic expectations.

Many sellers have unrealistic views on the value of their one and only one item they're selling.

Also you will develop a rep for taking overpriced listings with unrealistic sellers and the other brokers and agents will not want to do business with you or look at your listings as there is no chance to get a deal done for their buyers.