I've previously used Capterra as a platform to help with my decision - https://www.capterra.com/rental-property-management-software/

I'm not sure Meetup is the best platform to organize it around as that would be open to all including people who are brand new, and it could end up being lopsided on experience which isn't what I'm looking for.  

I have been recommended a firm that fits my criteria and budget, but I would like to check with fellow contributors on this platform if anyone has heard of the firm named Tri-Star Realty management in chicago before?

While Salesforce is an amazing CRM and can be developed to do just about anything you need, I am curious if there are other CRM platforms that may better be suited for real estate investing.

In my specific case, I'm looking for keyless entry options that would be good for 8 units in one building, so the ability to manage all of them from one platform is important.

For reference, a basic website on an all in one platform, our labor base rate is $250.

Check out LeadSherpa, it is a better platform.  

For example, if you login regularly to a crowdfunding platform like CrowdStreet you will find them there.

Is it a mistake to commit the buyer to a specific smart home platform, when they may prefer to use Alexa or Siri instead?

The skip tracing aspect (phones and emails) of these leads often goes through a 3rd party platform.