We'll find a house with a listing price of, let's say, $890,000, run it through the automated appraisal services (like Bank of America, Chase, etc.) and see its value estimated around $900,000-ish.

They use QuickBooks Enterprise.Saying that get started with pm software now, learn the ins and outs of the software and when you grow, it will be easy on you and your pocket.Remember it is not about the price, it is about the time and money you and your team will spend in automation and pulling reports from different software.

(Frankly paying finders is sensible because this is mutually beneficial and allows the end-investor to focus on automating their business instead of the time heavy project of finding properties).

With that being said, I recommend you read:1) The Richest Man In Babylon2) Think and Grow Rich3) The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach4) Financing Secrets of a Millionaire Investor by William Bronchick5) Flipping Properties by William Bronchick6) Beating the Street by Peter Lynch7) The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin GrahamThese seven books will give you the right mindset about wealth, tell you the "how" of creating wealth, give you the basics of RE investing/flipping, and let you understand that any investment instrument on Wall Street beyond boring, low-cost index funds is a waste of your hard earned dollars.

This entire time I've been trying to get a response from her, I can see how a letter with solutions that she can choose from could help.Thank you all for your feedback, it's been instrumental in coming to our decision.Chris

You can start to use it for free for up to 5 users, and then you can add a paying subscription if/when you need the additional workflow automation and other advanced features.There are a few pre-built CRM packs available for Podio to help you get started. 

According to Chapter Four:"At least one borrower must occupy the property and sign the security instrument and the mortgage note in order for the property to be considered owner-occupied."

In theory, you could if you take contol of a fourplex via Sub2, Land Contract, lease option or purchase option (very little money but not no money, need money for upfront option) then you could season your rents or receipt of rents depending on the loan you're doing, and then refinance out of the control instrument or contract into a conventional 30 year fixed.You will need qualifying credit - 620 + ficos and cash reserves to qualify as a non owner occupied property. 

Also, try the automated free market estimate provider we have. 

He said he had estimated a higher end home previously and he "accidentally" left the old estimate there (estimate was done on an automated spreadsheet).