However, there are so many tools out there, from Zulia, MLS, BP, etc that I'm trying to figure out which are valuable and for what.  

I doubt it, they are usually survivors in real estate, deal to deal, check to check types (which is okay) but they aren't the sharpest tool in the box or the top agents in your area, those agents would be losing money.

As a 25 year veteran of the lending world, both private and institutional, I believe crowdfunding is a great tool.

I have only heard of using it for a home you occupy on a multi unit purchase.Homegain is a nice tool to use.

To fix the problem I developed (because I'm a bit nerdy) some software tools to do much of the management.

The product is very simple to use and presents information in terms of the rental process instead of simply arraying a dashboard of tools.

You need the financial planner or the lawyer to discuss how you can use trusts (personal trusts and land trusts) and other estate planning tools to protect your wealth.How you use the equity is a personal choice, but one easy solution is to move it into a new house and then get a line of credit from the bank.

He uses his supplies money to buy power tools for other jobs.

I buy for CASH (check my name) and I've found it to be the BEST negotiating tool in my bag!

I have a decent background with power tools and construction.