This implies renting is initially cheaper than buying and at high LTV, rentals are initially cash flow negative.  

You find this out by talking to people, speaking with past residents, people in the industry, or mystery shopping the property.Using technology to pull in data so you don't have to manually type it in, is helpful, but other than that, I would not trust automation. 

You are interested in a certain market to use the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat) method to purchase property.To find these properties, you asked how many Realtors you would contact in that area.Honestly, most Realtors do not speak investor language and are not investors themselves.

Their success speaks volumes however, its a bit much for me to stomach for a potential benefit. 

Hi ColinI’m interested in speaking with you.

@Emily Gowen so as you pointed out you would not have to do a 1031 exchange on your current home to avoid the capital gains tax and coupled with what Dave Foster pointed out I think, speaking from experience you would have a high likelihood of success. 

If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general.

As long as you are not a borrower, there is no note or loan that will negatively affect your dti from a debt perspective.

I go to vacant properties at least weekly unless they are multi-family with active neighbors.)Generally speaking, if a property isn't moving (and others in the area are), either you are priced too high or there is something lacking with your property.

Generally speaking if the people are clean the pets are also.