Nothing is 100% accurate, so you will have to review the data to ensure you are not wasting $ on dead ends (property just sold/on MLS, recently rented, etc).

If legal fees or eviction costs arise, they’re also deductible as ordinary and necessary expenses.Keep detailed records of every expense for accurate tax reporting!

@Josh WellsRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

So a realtor is a big gamble at that point. 

The meaningful relationships are earned by being a trusted advisor  who provides accurate information even if it means your client will be less competitive on that particular opportunity compared to the buyer who arrives at their purchase number based on bad advice. 

Eventually, they moved forward without issues...but it’s a gamble.

similar question - I don't think the deal finder tool is accurate - how are they sourcing the data? 

Sympathize with them, and try to help them get out of their current situation.Have accurate numbersALWAYS have an accurate ARV(after repaired value) on a property, and ALWAYS have accurate repair costs.

But as a FSBO, I would to make sure you are pricing your house accurately with comps, hire a professional photographer, pay to list your house on the local MLS to make sure the people you want see it, hire a real estate attorney, and prepare to deal with buyers.

Our tax laws are one huge irrational abomination.Here's a very incomplete (and not even using technically accurate jargon) 101 which needs a lot of clarifications:A.