I was considering purchasing this service, and I was wondering if anyone liked it, or if the service and/ or Cameron Dunlap, the owner of the service, has a good reputation because I couldn't find much on the internet that wasn't obviously one of his websites. thanks.

You don't have to use a local one if you don't mind an over the phone/internet relationship there are several on bigger pockets. 

You can do the more complex internet thermostat but it is more work. 

I've also invested in Lancaster & Palmdale, and in your likely price range that may be your best bet ... you can get a single family home in a decent neighborhood or maybe even a duplex there for under $200k.

There are folks who will say you can, especially on an internet forum, but it comes with considerable risk and would be exceedingly complicated.

Michael, Your best bet is to partner with a builder and take a cut of the building portion.  

The internet is loaded with sites that lure people to pay for documentation through them and strategies for getting pets into housing under false pretenses.

YMMV.I bet there are some other folks on here that are more active than me can give you some good ballparks on what contractors are bidding labor at.

It's 2017 and everything's accessible on the internet if you look hard enough.

No attack on retail from the internet when you have DESTINATION type tenants.