- What's your current basis in the rental property (what did you pay for it/put into it) compared to value?

It is good information, but you really want to compare to market rate. 

Once you have several to compare you will get an idea of what the average for your situation is.

These people tend to be a bit more responsible, typically have a job, at least a partial security deposit, and actually care about their credit score.Regarding the specifics you ask for, you'll have to check with your local authority on their processes & procedures.

Wanted to compare their scope of services offered / pricing. 

So please, go ahead and continue to compare apples to oranges.

A great buyers agent will be able to help you fine tune your strategy, highlight market trends, knows where and what to look for, hook you up with the best lenders, inspectors, contractors, etc, get you the full background on a property and the sellers, knows how a particular property compares to other deals and what a great deal looks like, identify untypical risks and knows what to look for before you waste time and money on an offer & homeinspection just to cancel the deal later, get the lowest possible offer accepted, oversee the transaction and handle all the paperwork, including title work and appraisal, knows how to approach a short sale differently from a REO, negotiate inspections and repairs successfully and help you make more money, safes you time and lower your risk every step of the way.Sounds like you signed with someone who provides value by knowing lockbox numbers?

It is neutral ground compared to their living room in my property, which is probably what the article was getting at. 

Bob, this is comparing apples to oranges.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.