You can choose to use all of our services (sales, management, construction, consulting) or just the ones you want.  

One of the main reasons I have upgraded to an paying member of BP was because of the marketplace, and since the upgrade I have posted 3 property I had for sale here in Toledo, Ohio... (1) A multi unit that I sold through social media marketing (2) A SFH in a B- class working neighborhood that I told my mentor about whom ended up buying it(3) A Large 5bed 5bath home in the Historic Old West End (an A class neighborhood) that I have yet to sell but a local couple (that again seen it on another site) whom is pre approved plans to put it under contract after they learn more about the FHA 203k loan process.Now with other marketing sites I got a email or a call on each of these listings from investors EVERYDAY but I have yet to have any serious inquires about any of the 3 listing besides a few other noses/curios local investors that just wanted to check out the new competition in town lol.

You can also add in tax sales and REO's to get some good deals.

The rents/HOA dues compared to the listing prices (140k-220k) make it seem like an easy entry point into real estate with relatively low risk since I will live there initially and a large portion of the property is taken care of.

At BP, not only can you network with other real estate investors, you can learn from the informative forums posted daily on the site, find properties that are for sale, and take free courses.

The one I picked was FHA and now that we are down to closing, it passed inspection but appraised at 26K less than the sale price.  

The only commission your Broker is entitled is from the sale through the Brokerage.  

Did the other listing sites not have any recent sales for the area or were there just very few sales in that area all together?

There are definitely comps in the area, just lack of consistency.I know there is always some level of risk but I'm trying to at least take on a manageable amount and be realistic about the sales price.Any advice for a first timer?

Below I have compared 2 examples of selling traditionally with a Realtor at 6% commisions (which it may be less as it is negotiable) vs selling with opendoor or similar service.Comparing Opendoor to a Traditional Sale with a Realtor$400,000 Home via OpendoorHome Value: $400,000Sales Price: $375,000Charge 12%: $45,000Commissions 7%: $26,250Total Costs via Opendoor: $71,250Net Proceeds to Owner: $303,750$400,000 Home via a RealtorHome Value: $400,000Sales Price: $400,000Traditional Closing Costs 3%: $12,000Commissions 6%: $24,000Total Costs via a Realtor: $36,000Net Proceeds to Owner: $364,000In this Example Selling with a Realtor will save you $60,250!!!