So, in case my spouse and I pass as we have young kids, when using trust services to manage assets, real estate primarily, is it better to do flat fee for 1.5% or a trust services company that charges by the hour with a published fee schedule?

If you can't pass a test you will continue to retake that test. 

The contractors have to pass a drug screen to get in.

Some states require you to be a Realtor, others you can take a course and pass a test.It is a much bigger commitment both financially and timewise to go legit.

The post here would not pass a Raleigh inspection.

Once you are qualified make sure the property that you are looking at would pass a inspection to qualify.

The questions to ask are will the property pass a wind mitigation checklist which could substantially reduce insurance cost.

I don't have any direct experience in these markets, but my assumption would be that properties are still traded at very low cap rates simply because of the potential upside that will come when a unit does eventually turnover.Oregon was the first state in the country to pass a state-wide rent control ordinance.

Context: As is baseline standard for screening, I require all applicants to pass a full credit and background check I pay for through a professional organization membership. 

Like FHA, the property has to pass a rigid inspection by the appraiser.