I much prefer the “recently sold” filter on realtor.comMuch lore accurate and its automated.

@William Dubinsky Perosnaly I prefer to continue allocating for capital expenditures throughout the entire time I hold a property.

Preferably, you get a copy so you can verify. 

Do folks have any recommendations/preferences for dishwashers?

My preference is two so I can test two brokers and from then work with the one that performs.

I know a lot of people use excel, but I'd prefer a true database program for better data integrity, scalability, and creating reports.I've searched the forums and looked in the BP files but nothing is coming up in the search (either I'm not searching right, or no one else is dumb enough to want to build their own database).

Everyone has their own preferences with investing but I think they key to all success in RE is being able to add value.

I'd prefer a property that only needs cosmetic work and is located near a good part of town as well as an "attraction"- ie baseball stadium, hospital, concert venue- so I'll have the option to Air Bnb if I choose to. 2) Generally, which city has a higher profit on rentals?

or do you like to meet them first before talking numbers i see pros and cons in both choices which method do you prefer and why?

In the past we have preferred smaller companies that are very hands on, that are invested in the same areas and that handle everything from purchase to rehab to sale to management.