Find good software, figure out how to do dynamic pricing/yield mgmt so you can show owners how you can increase income (price for max revenue in season, occupancy in off season), hire good housekeepers and make a good corny website.

I just started in the Commerical world with a small apartment building and a retail building  I'm hoping to connect with multi unit professionals who would be happy to share their experiences  I live in the Denver metro area  

For the outside I had to hire a stucco company to eliminate it top to bottom.Simply have a lead report done and give it to your Contractor.

I'm Ky, I'm new investor in the Bay Area and looking to connect with professionals to build my team.

. - a Colorado Springs based real estate professional since 2002, I can certainly help with a referral.

You can hire an agent to do what you want and pay them for your time . . . however a good agent that would be worth paying is way to busy to get paid hourly to run comps for you.Yes all the online sites are ok to a point, but by no means as accurate as the local MLS.I advise all investors that they either need to be a licensed agent so they have their own access or someone on the team need to be licensed.  

I am an IT professional seeking to develop my own REI business, and network/build relationships within the REI community.

I'm not a realtor, however, I'm to understand there are quite a few professional expenses you'd have to pay to hang your license with a broker.  

Does that mean that all paid professionals should remain silent in any forums on topics they are experienced and knowledgable about because it may, or may not, be self serving?

Quickbooks and HIRE AN ACCOUNTANT to help set it up and run it.The biggest mistake I ever made was waiting too long to get professional accounting help.