Any specific suggestions on how to tone down on a budget but still be effective?   

I am a mortgage broker, but I'd highly recommend this product. 

I highly recommend an attorney to draw one up as each state and each property can have unique issues. 

Even when they are charging you a very high percentage, the agent is probably operating at a loss.

I specialize in investment properties, high-end homes, and commercial real estate, and I run Updegraff Group Realty, a full-service brokerage that helps investors not only find and fund deals but also manage construction, optimize returns, and scale their portfolios.Financing Your First Deal Without Using Your Own MoneyIt’s a common question, and the truth is—it’s very doable, but it requires strategy and relationships.

Have you considered fully turnkey properties in high-demand rental markets?

They're taking massive fees 2% on assets they manage, 20% on increases in net asset value, large salaries for only $7-8m assets, they are self dealing with a $2m in promissory notes that pay Dutch's other entities 10.95% interest. i think the 36% return might be before all these fees or for his 3 other entities that lent the company money at a very high rate.source: their sec filings https://sec.report/CIK/0001721...

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

I specialize in small multifamily properties and house hacking working alongside BiggerPockets podcast guest Andrew Freed to help investors find high-performing deals in Central MA.My Background:  - Started in late 2019 I utilized an FHA loan to get my first 3 family property in Fitchburg, spent about a year fixing it up and soon after I refinanced. 

I agree that working with people is easier and more cost effective than the alternative.As I read this, I'm considering creating a Cash For Keys written program that I can give my tenants at lease signing to remind them to come to me rather than just stop paying.