The issue with using comps on any type of software, especially propstream or dealmachine is that they tend to use an "estimated value" of the homes that they are using for comps, not actually comparing to what has sold recently in the area or what is currently listed, not accounting for DOM (day on market) or other market shifts that play into realistic valuation of a property.

Since I'm paying cash up front I could realistically acquire 50 units across 2 or 3 properties within a 10mi radius.

I'm still working full-time at my current job so I want to be realistic with what I can do with the time I have.

I started down this path and blew it all up after a few years as its way too expensive, way to complex and realistically did zero additional asset protection for me. 

Best of luck as well :D Well I have done about 500 over the last 7 8 years, I need to step it up AGAIN, , Adding more props to PM seems very realistic as so many need help out there, 

And...hopefully someone comes across this back-and-forth and it sets more realistic expectations for what they'll actually receive from Ohio Cashflow/Oz Realty (3-4% returns).

At the same time, i dont have any experience other than dozens of hours reading and listening to podcats and videos on syndication and real estate investing in general and this lack of experience unmotivates me because realistically I wont be able to raise the money , get the financing, and get the team, and this at the end leads me back to “building my own portfolio”.So I’m stuck.

So you can DIY and realistically chances are quite low that you'd have any issues, but if the IRS reviews it the fines and penalties will significantly outweigh saving some money by not having it done professionally plus you're either gonna leave a lot on the table or overstate which is a surefire way to get audited.

My goal is to live in this first property for at least 12 months (but realistically a few years) and have a roommate in the second bedroom to help offset the net costs.

I'm trying to get a realistic gauge on rental income outside of those months.