If, say, you were new at this and had no track record then you'd be a riskier investment and any partner would deserve a reward commensurate to such risk.

County officials either do an appraisal in the office or by driving properties and can be based on numerous things such as an increase in average sales price of houses in the county/area. 

I've sold homes in that area for 80k and up and have plenty of rentals going right now. it is a risk reward type situation but you have to be prepared and have the right strategy. jerry

Takes plenty of vacations to nice places, mostly paid with rewards points, including hotels and airlines.

The living situation was less private but the reward was worth it.

I am sure that BiggerPockets.com will be an invaluable resource for your new endevour, I know it has provided countless points of motivation for me.The most rewarding forum, at this point for me is the Success Stories section.I wish you the best of luck!!

I may not have survived the numerous swings we've encountered over that time period and I definitely wouldn't have been able to profit from them.

I have read numerous posts on this site and they have been WONDERFUL!!...

Personally self managing has been very rewarding for my family.

Oh yes we have done exactly what you are describing numerous times.