I get that a lot of things can be done by searching the internet, but wouldn't the best way to use your time is to focus on real estate investing and not real estate accounting?

@Autumn KimNot a bad niche if you like pain and have staying power; this is not a strategy for a hands off investor that likes excel and internet research.  

But the real value a 1031 intermediary brings goes way beyond simple document prep which is what the lower cost internet sources offer. 

The conventional brokerage model is a pre-internet, pre-online tech enabled world.

@Farooq K.Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.

This is what happens when you sit on the internet :) NOT reality.

Even if they are, Is the internet out?

S&P 500 beats RE by double.S&P 500 = $900,000Real Estate = $460,000However, these units are good for someone who wants to dip into real estate while using their unit any time they want with the aforementioned owner perks but without the hassle that ownership brings like maintenance, roof, bad tenants, furnishings, bill payments like SDG&E, internet etc.

Investigate areas with strong growth potential and rental demand, and take into account regional real estate market trends.Networking: Attend local real estate events, sign up for internet discussion groups, and establish relationships with seasoned investors.

What I'm trying to say is that I recommed giving us more details or if you don't want to put personal info on the internet find a in-person tax professional or accountant who is familiar with rental property taxation to determine your eligibility for deducting rental losses and ensure that you're compliant with tax regulations.