I get a handful of leads every month through a website I've got set up, but lack the experience to feel confident on the phone. 

It is been shown that facial hair can lead to distrust. 

I'm not real clear on what type of investing your doing but I don't see how any agent is finding out about your leads and/or giving your leads to other investors.

See also https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/585/topics/269437-20-oil-and-non-houston-marketsI think if you wait, what you call "some great looking deals" may be some greater looking deals... since the leading indicators point to some softness in the near future.

As a realtor am trying to find out out if its better to pay for Zillow buyer leads or sign up for Expireds. 

Unhappy tenants could lead to damages and other unpleasantness's.

This leads to setting a percent for repairs and cap-x.The taxes for each unit (can usually be found on the county website).Who pays what expenses/utilities.Insurance cost for each.Parking availability for each unit.

lead generation, insurance, license, MLS subscription, EKey (allows you to get into houses)subscription.

Most of my properties have come from leads generated by not my realtor, but my PM. 

hi, I'm  Lead abatement contractor investing in real estate income property