So the question becomes based on their individual and personal tax situation what is the estimated tax burden they'd save? 

If you make the person an LLC employee you can get around it, but partner does need to be careful. 

Not sure if they have upgraded to desktop appraisals but if they are still doing in person appraisals , make sure you get everything (scope of work, good faith deposit, social, LLC docs, insurance, proof of prior experience, financial statements) in ASAP.

Quote from @Jeff Sanders: Personally coming from an agent/investor in CA, I always get a quote from a broker of mine and make sure I am knowledgeable with the fees/costs.

In person is better than over the phone if possible, as I have been told by annoyed or lazy clerks "NO STR allowed" as that was the easy button to get me off the phone, or if they are anti STR. 

Apparently, the person I am under contract with was managing the estate of the actual owner who recently died.  

So it's just personal preference and budget for a host.

I dont know Nathan personally..

Are you interested in S8 because of a personal reason or you think it's the next "hot" investment idea?

I would spend money to enhance and update to current standards the search functionality and person to person tagging so it's easier to find stuff.