With the addition of 2 kiddos, my family has recently relocated back to MA. I

You can find much better deals here than in MA (I grew up in southcoast MA).

Another is announcements by professional groups, MAIs for example, again, limited dissemnation to registered appraiser only, banks, regulators, etc.

@Christopher HoltYou'll want to become an MAI and if you already have your basic classes completed so you can start as a trainee that may impress your new boss.  

I need a RE lawyer to help with my sticky situation with a property in Newton, MA.  I

@Codie GilletteSpringfield MA is a great market.

i'm in hopedale MA. i use rentredi for tenant payments. no complaints, simple, i like it. a BANK that also offers rent collection seems over the top to me. i'd rather keep using my small local bank. i also don't keep security deposits because the laws in MA re: how they can be used are so insane that i'd rather just not deal with it. 

MA is also weird about fees. for vacancy, banks usually want to see you underwrite at 5%, but i personally expect 2%.

"The Fair Market Value can be determined on the basis of the average of the two appraisals.In all cases, each appraiser selected by a party, must be an “MAI” qualified and licensed appraiser or must otherwise be a member in good standing of the local AIREA, and must not be affiliated with either party.

Most hearings are very informal and you can represent yourself, while larger cases are specialized and you would hire an MAI and attorney.