I will start from the offer stage. 

It provides valuable market data that offers insights, unlike the free version that offers none.

The property manager must make a profit, otherwise there is no incentive to provide the service.

Memphis, Little Rock, OKC, Tulsa, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Houston are all very landlord-friendly markets that offer great opportunities in the 200-250k price range. 

I'm not sure where your home is located but many property management companies, like mine, offer tenant screening services so I suggest you utilize that if possible.We pull credit (with score), criminal background, eviction etc. 

These are great programs to use and NY offers a few as well as a couple of Nationwide DPA's and grants.

Your Own AccountEmployers usually pick the default HSA provider, but you can open one anywhere that offers a brokerage option.

The owner didn't have to deal with any of it, as we offered to take care of it for her.

I am a newbie to REI, so all I can offer is welcome and I hope your REI journey helps you meet your goals!

You don't have to spend money  out of the pocket on searching Redfin, making some phone calls, making offers and posting ads on Craiglist or whatever local media you want to use to sell the property.