@Heather Uhlir, What Account Closed said is correct in the sense that the appraiser is not an employee of the bank so there is a bill owed for the work.

That's why most of these people work off the books.I was in business and had several employees  under garnishment.

Been following for a few months...more trouble.https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/t-e-h-realty-cuts-employees-and-delays-payroll-for/article_7b694977-f955-5e7d-9dc1-a1c5315622b5.html

Hiring low-wage employees is very difficult and using incentivized pay is very helpful.

I am a city employee but in my off time  I’ve worked on several flips and I’m working on the first one of my own just north of the city.

My wife reminded me though, the company he works at gives large bonuses  to all employees in December, so it should clear..

Here are some initial considerations with regards to both:If you are self-employed with no full-time w-2 employees, you can set up a Solo 401k & rollover funds from a non-Roth IRA as a tax-free direct rollover and then invest in real estate.Solo 401k vs.

The employee at the bank referred me to call the manager because the manager may have more knowledge on the matter.

The appeal of these cities to me is the proximity to my business and the ability to hire employees that can manage/operate them once there are enough properties to justify it.  

I educated myself through books, courses and seminars as well as just getting out there and doing it and learning from my employees and subcontractors.