An agent can really help get more eyes on your property through MLS and their network, plus some agents have investor clients ready to go and can market it off-market directly to them.

My opinion is that if people were making reasonable business calculations, these types of cases wouldn't even get there as the end result would be a judge having his eyes effectively glazed over and losing confidence in the efficacy of the sub metering solution. 

Hi All, I've been eyeing to purchase in Rochester as well.

Keep an eye on the goal...

Quote from @Jay Fayz: Quote from @Benjamin Aaker: You need to take a look at this deal from an investor's eye.

As you also mentioned “if you marry someone that is unwilling to fight it out, you deserve what you get. “ That is a fair statement, but as we both know, there’s some liars out there in the world that will promise to death do us part that will eye the door handle after the second disagreement.. the second disagreement after marriage of course and especially if they’re going to get taken care of financially in a big way for being a quitter. 

Pulling the wool over someone's eyes can happen in any relationship, is not conducive to long-term success, and should be condemned.Your original reply asked for "someone to explain to me how this model truly benefits the property owner".

Just keep an eye on interest rates and your ability to cover any cash flow gaps.Consider properties that need a bit of work or up-and-coming neighborhoods for better deals.

Meanwhile, their mom wants to list a house and their friend wants to buy a house at the same time (taking their eye of the ball).

Would obviously have preferred to use a third party but this accomplishes exactly what I need - a birds eye view of the profitability each month without have to re-enter operational and tenant data into my own system when the property manager is already tracking this information.