(yes, my apologies to those very few legitimate and successful wholesalers here, but even you guys know what I mean) Pick one of the other areas and start DOING it.

I've always learned that in any facet of real estate, an actual SOLD property are the typical go-to for legitimate comps and getting a better understanding of a market's true value.

They have a legitimate purpose and were never meant to be used by people wanting to broker without a license.

If your inspector goes in and says "This house is falling over and needs $50,000 in structural repairs" you can either renegotiate the price, or walk away - legitimately.

Also, the bank is never going to review, let alone approve the short sale if the buyer on the purchase contract submitted can't show the legitimate ability to buy, and an assignment will not be allowed, and if a Fannie Mae loan, no resale within 30 days.  

Any thing that legitimately helps you directly with your business I'd deduct. 

A simple online search should allow you to find multiple different venues.

How do i know if the change orders he is sending me are legitimate ?

If a private or hard money lender charges points, a legitimate one won't worry about waiting a week or two for points to be paid at closing. 

line, stage left.A credit inquiry for a legitimate purpose is always ok.