I dedicate at least 2 hr a day for bigger pockets and about to upgrade to pro even though not ready to buy quite yet.

Consider paying for data platforms like CoStar or Property Radar if you would like to keep tabs on who the most active buyers are... you could reach out to those companies to become an investor.

I'll need to look closer at Zillow and leverage their platform as well - it sounds like that's been working best for you. 

At what point in the first-time REI journey, little things such as opening a checking account dedicated for a BRRRR property becomes a must-have?

Beyond the fact that I don't like one company price fixing a market (which they really go out of their way to tell you they are not doing), the realization of the platforms optimizing for occupancy puts their native smart pricing tools at odds with my interests as an owner, which ideally optimizes higher night rate over max occupancy since I like expensive furnishings to last longer than 1-2 years when I'm turning it over every single day.  

@Michael Kammer:Hey Mike, sounds like you are dedicating to real estate.

Hi Gayle, this is a great question and in many circumstances, self-supplied applications can be of some concern (ie. just like other self-reported recommendation letters, it may not always provide thorough enough insight into the applicant; however, some platforms (built with independent DIY rental owners in mind) make it possible for tenants/prospective renters to complete online applications and then share those applications with other landlords if, say for instance, they didn't get the first rental that they applied for — in fact, depending on the tool they use it can be a great way to only need to pull their credit once (which would include current credit score and a breakdown of their credit history, nationwide background check, and eviction history) if they have multiple applications circulation, which is not all that uncommon.

@Erick Villalba Mixed-use residential is a property that is part residential and part commercial, but has a higher percentage of square footage dedicated to residential.

I would run some general search terms in an 'incognito' browser session for both platforms and see where are you landing on each platform. 

Ideally, I could use the loan funds to pay the ongoing expenses while then dedicating the rent moneys that do come in to enhance the “free reserves” or dedicate to improving properties or even expanding the number of doors owned.