If they are charging you an upfront fee, they are more than likely not legitimate.

This agent of your didn't play any part in finding this property for you. 

Maximizing Deductions: You can still claim tax deductions (mileage, repairs, management time, etc.) on both properties as long as they’re legitimately related to rental activity, even if one isn’t in an LLC.

All you get is what you can export/import via CSV file:(We use Propertyware, have experience with Buildium, and have played with Appfolio and RentManager.Buildium is for smaller companies.The other three are tied, the differences being how much automation & customization you want to do.If you don't see yourself growing beyond 150 units, go with Buildium.If you're not very techy and plan to grow over 150 units, we'd recommend Appfolio.If you're techy and plan to grow over 150 units, we'd recommend Propertyware or RentManager.Of course, schedule some demos, take GREAT notes and them make your decision.FYI - there are MANY new options on the market, RentRedi, TenantCloud, Apartments.com, Hemlane, Rentec.

Unit is available now -- just publish that and let the rest play out?

If tariffs come into play, or any conflict those products become nonexistent and when we switch to a different country source, they will have tripled or quadrupled.

My question is where are the best resources I can find for scripts and role-playing?

Yes, I know there are legitimate wholesalers but just like used car salesmen (women), the bad ones make the good ones seem just as bad.

And too play a little devils advocate..

The big play for tax sale in CA is bare land in the high deserts and in the areas that have a lot of old recreational communities were lots never got built on.