You must work at least 750 hours per year in a qualified RE business.So most people who have high-earning W-2 jobs outside of real estate wouldn't qualify.But the unique thing about RE pro status is that even if you don’t qualify but your spouse does, you can both file jointly and claim the losses from your RE investments to offset your other active income together.

I hope you or someone is at least keeping an eye on your properties for break ins, squatters, roof leaks, temperature control, frozen pipes (if in cold climate), if you have a basement and sump pump goes out leading to water damage etc.I just talked to two investors in California that have let their properties sit vacant (no mortgages so paying property taxes and insurance).

These are what-ifs and usually lead to anxiety for a lot of people.

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

Wouldn't buy leads from them. 

Based on my experience, it’s often not worth the time and expense because appeals frequently lead to no change in the tax assessment.

The EPA wants all lead pipes replaced, period.

You could also bring on a business partner that specializes in sales/marketing to lead that side of the business

Pretty much the core of the STR business.Higher your rank gets, you can increase your price and be more picky in selecting customers which usually lead to a better review / less party or complaints / less expense and higher profit with a happy life.I know some people will argue, but the ranking system is the truth and should be the only guide to your STR journey. 

And I'd hope people have enough wit's to figure if someone BS's their way to get "biz leads" there probably going to BS their way through/around anything/everything else.