I mean can you consistently provide an industry standard finished product similat to what the licensed trades would provice)

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

And with all the platforms like Zillow, Realtor, Redfin, Trulia. etc... the MLS has lost its value for the most part.

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.

It often takes living and breathing the industry around the clock for a few years before you start seeing consistent returns.

Now what would make you think someone here wouldn't be doing their due diligenceAgain this is also a platform for new investors so there will be questions along the wayYou should consider developing an understanding for the purpose of a legitimate forum

I think real estate due to the amount of money you can make and how quickly you can make it attracts people who may not understand the idea of sustainability and being consistent in what you do. 

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

This downward trend has been consistent over the past decade, with annual declines ranging from 0.15% to 0.44%. https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/ITA/ita...3.