Rent growth is a function of supply, demand, and interest rates:- I'd ground any forecast by stating I expect national rents to rise on a pace more or less in line with inflation over any long time period. 2-3% per year.

I find new lending opportunities by networking at local RE Meetups, Training Classes and real estate functions.   

If you're looking for software with strong rental accounting capabilities though, there are apps that have this functionality built into them (rather than paying extra through RentRedi to use the REI Hub.

Buyers Want More Than a Pretty HouseSan Diego buyers are discerning, and they don’t just want a house that looks nice—they want one that functions well and reflects their lifestyle.

With actual cash, you just transfer it. yes, but you can still bid with lender approval - without appraisal contingency - you send in deal (app), it gets approved by lender its functionally the same as cash (except in true lightning speed situations where there is a quick auction with little time to prep but thats generally pretty rare I'd think)Right, but that's not cash or functionally the same as cash because the lender can change the terms at the last minute, as often happens with less experienced hard money lenders.

They have a bigger single family home and a tiny home on the property, but there close proximity and shared driveway present functional problems that are undesirable for guests. 

Instead, shut off the water to the toilet and place a sign on the door "Art exhibit: Non-functioning bathroom."

Our property was already functioning as a short term rental so it is furnished but they are getting rid of some of our furniture and putting in new furniture and they are just charging me for the removal of my items.

Lenders stopped allowing rent by the room due to modifications done to the property resulting in functional obsolescence and significant cost to cure in the event there was a default and they needed to foreclose on the home and resell it, given that the main buyer pool for single-family homes are primary occupants. 

Replacement homes will be climate hardened, smaller, functional and include consideration for the type of infrastructure, architecture and sustainable/durable materials utilized.