Hey @Tasia Larri,Another way is to use FHA 3.5% down to buy 2-4 unit and house hack and it is fewer restrictions on where it must be located.

I didn't want to take the chance of a lawsuit from beach rentals being able to access my primary residence equity. 

Features:3/2 with flex room (4th bedroom possible with frame out closet in large flex room)Large open concept living/kitchenNew roof (architectural shingles, 2017)A/C 7 years old (manufactured 2010)Front and back wooden deckSmall neighborhood, 7 minutes to uptownAcross the street from Elementary SchoolVaulted CeilingsOriginal Hardwoods in living areas and hallwaysFenced in yardStainless steel range and dishwasherWHAT IT NEEDSMaster bath remodel (there is a very accessibly crawl space, so this should be easy according to the contractors I've spoken with)Reconditioning of hardwoodsNew CarpetPaintRefrigeratorNew interior doorsMinor landscaping (one tree removal)ARV: $220,000Repairs: $20,000LIST: $175,000 What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I have been told it would cost about $500 - 700 a year to maintain the license and MLS access, though it sounds like it varies depending on broker.

Is it wrong to assume the “market is smart”, generally has access to all the same info I do (maybe more), and snatching all the good deals up?

You will need to have access to MLS for this step since you will need to see all the terms of the purchase of the properties (if there were seller concessions, etc.) and in order to see the condition and quality notes (C3, C4, Q4, Q3, etc)  So the closer the comparables are to your home in condition, square footage, year built, BR/Ba, ans date sold the better it is for your case.And just for a quick info point using comparables that were built around your build date are fine. 

Working with someone who has access to some rentals there that we will be looking to virtually wholesale. 

I doubt the access is under the driveway and it’s never been pumped.

Then tenant also said if there is any odd chance he is no longer had access to the laundry machine, he would like me to compensate and drop the rent for certain amount on the laundromat, which I will no agree.

@Bruce FosterFirst check local zoning and land use restrictions.