It seems like there are a decent amount of amateur FSBO websites but I haven't found one for my area that does a good job.

Hello Scott,I am still new to the industry and consider myself rather an amateur.

Secondly there is a cost to match the existing structure to the new addition so that it doesn't look like it is some amateur graft.

I'm one of these amateurs looking to get into rental properties.... carefully...

My brother is a financial journalist in London and I fly by night as an amateur writer whose particular interests lay in RE & macro econ.

There are so many folks out there who claim they are experts who in reality are amateurs, which makes it all more important to vette people well.

If you think a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur.

They buy deals out our reach of amateurs due to the lack for network/knowledge.

Though, with the risk/time/energy involved you'd be better off getting a job at Mcdonalds.I think the industry may be so prevalent because for every shady wholesaler there must be an amateur, overconfident buyer who doesn't know they are getting screwed. 

It assures me that they aren’t over-extending themselves into a living situation they can’t afford and it’s brought me even more peace of mind than the 1st&last’s security deposit ever had while making me happy to invest my time & money assisting the family w/ tailoring the unit to their needs (mounting tv’s, making minor repairs to squeaky floors, sticky cabinets, childproofing, etc) so they don’t attempt to try their hand at amateurly repairing things themselves which always makes things worseThe increased fee has made me rationalize the time/cost investment of time while also strengthening the  relationship & respect (both ways) than I’ve had with the average tenant.