They shop your policy around and get you a better rate, and you're not paying for the large advertising budget of the big companies.My policies obviously insure the building itself, but also include liability coverage in case someone were to get injured on my property and they also include loss of income coverage.

Buy an umbrella insurance policy to supplement your other insurance.  

I generally do some internet sleuthing before returning calls/emails, as I like to be prepared - and remind them it's a no pet policy (when their FB page has them gushing about their new puppy.

It is required by brokers that you purchase this policy to protect them and yourself from negligence on your part.Also, the MLS isn't an entity that charges fees, the various associations of Realtors charge membership fees and your local association maintains your local MLS. 

Get a good insurance policy and be protected.Joe Gore

My question is not about protection at this time (I'm sure later down the line I will establish an LLC for increased liability protection as I expand my RE business but I will get an umbrella policy starting out).

I would make sure that your other policies are competitive.

You can go two different ways, if you want conforming mortgages, then put them in your personal name,,if you want to put them in an LLC, then use higher priced commercial loans.If you want to get the mortgage in your name, then put in an LLC,,thats fine, but the LLC will no longer give you the protection you think you have,,the financing is in your personal name,,,you on the hook.If your managing the property, involved in the rehab, or personally guarantee the financing, the LLC is no little to no value,,just get a large liability policy,,,,

You're not a bad guy for enforcing the policy in the lease.

Also get the added protection of LLC and/or Umbrella Policy to protect that fully paid off primary.Buy your first investment property by leveraging.