They apologized about 2 hours later and said it was an automated system problem.

Then provide them with a preferred vendor list, set up electronic locks and make the landlording a little more automated.

I use REI Automator and I really like it but it seems like most investors have never used it are more familiar with PropStream for some reason (Ive also never used PS)?

For me - I must have value add - whether that means expansion, increasing rates, occupancy %, moving to automation and managing remotely etc - there needs to be a for sure way I can add value and streamline operations.

We paid for Sean's Airbnb Automated course.

The only reason I am using this is, to add the sales instrument to my spreadsheet.

Have any of you tried using automation in your rental business? 

A agent might do some searching or set up an automated search but except in the relatively small number of deals where the agent has an inside track about a property to come available the agent isn't making a huge difference for the finding of the deal.

I am also looking I only have 6 properties and use a mix of apratments.com, zillow, and QBO but QBO cost so much for the pro per month to have everything automated into it.

--> Automates a lot of your expense tracking --> Much cheaper than most softwares/fancy sheets --> Will probably save you a couple of thousand extra on your taxes if you follow all the recommendations.