Perform the same task in each app to ensure a fair comparison.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.Run a credit/screening report on yourself.Enter a maintenance request, assign a vendor, and attach a fake invoice.Enter charges to the tenant's ledger.Enter recurring charges and automatic late fees.Sign documents electronically.Run owner reports.After testing a few apps, one should clearly stand out.

.: Quote from @Brandon Brown: I am considering switching to a heat pump with an electric heat strip for supplemental heating in our two-flat building, with plans to add a third unit in the future.

Lesson learned - do a better job screening your tenants...Consider investing in greener pastures (landlord-friendly states)

Quote from @Nina Ning: I'm screening applicants for my rental.

The goal is to start getting your land-lording processes into place--how will you advertise, how will you screen, how will you collect rent, how will you deal with maintenance, who are you going to use as a lender, what is your process for bookkeeping and taxes.   

I would caution on comparing these returns to the S&P 500.Real estate has been pretty much flat the last 2-3 years while the S&P has been on a great run.It's human nature to sell the lows and buy the tops.

Specialized policies, contractor recommendations, tenant screening, lease agreements, utilities, and exit strategies are also important.Good luck!

This is a low-risk way to learn about property management, tenant screening, maintenance, and more.

It's all over the place and landlords have far less hassles with an arbitrager that was screened just like a LTR tenant, then a 12 month live in the property tenant. 

At about 3:35pm on the third and final day(there were only about 40 people left) when we all came back from our last "break" there was a slide up on the screen.