That's what any good, legit lender is going to tell you. 

One seems legit but the price for the course is 11k.

Network with wholesalers, check public records, and use platforms like PropStream or DealMachine to find distressed properties.Be Cautious: Pay attention to permits, inspections, and local market trends—over-improving for the area could hurt your profits.Starting with a solid plan and realistic numbers will set you up for success.

Listing your properties on platforms like LoopNet or Crexi can be worth it!

I'm an authorized reseller for Generali (for our guests that book off-platform) and it's something like $59 for the guest, and you can buy it on their behalf, but I'm not sure that it covers chargebacks.

Before listing it on an STR platform, I need to make some improvements to my current home.How can I maximize tax write-offs for these improvements?

As a wholesaler, hopefully hearing from some of you with experience with these sites, what are the advantages or disadvantages of each of these sites respectively... as far as which search criteria to use on each platform?

Most serious and qualified tenants are searching on the major 3rd party platforms you mentioned + realtor.com, redfin, and a few others.Apartments.com & homes.com are owned by the same company and may offer some additional marketing options.Another strategy to consider here is social media - video marketing.

From what I read in Bloomberg recently, investors gravitate towards platforms they trust on a personal level.I’ve found that blending personal touches with strategic growth means knowing your audience and what makes them tick.

BUT maybe think about freshening up the exterior of your STR (Airbnb is a platform).I work for Airbnb as an "Airbnb SuperHost Ambassador".