I just bought two duplexes in Cleveland and will have work done to them, there will be many expenses I have for 2018 as I just started an LLC and besides rehab, and tons of fees, I will also have spent deductions on learning, travel as well. 

@Mike McCarthy, I see that cozy requires a 2.75% fee when tenants pay with either a credit or debit card.

Bosshardt, Watson, etc... tend to have a higher fee and tack on a % to maintenance which always irked me.Exit Realty, Matchmaker tend to have lower fees compared to the larger brokerages and may not tack on a % to the maintenance fee.Gore Rabbell is another one to investigate.If you send me a PM I can give you more candid feedback. 

What does it include - attorney time drafting, recording fees, time/fee to record the deed? 

I have read J L Collins simple path to wealth and he recommended vtsax because of the fees being incredibly low.

Along with another $8,000 - $10,000 in fee's. 

Simple renovations many times for dust and fluffs will not require inspections but a permit is required at a minor fee. 

A California LLC will cost at least $1,000 to maintain between the associated IRA fees and the $800 minimum CA franchise tax. 

The reason I wonder if it's legal is if a finder's fee would be considered compensation to facilitate a real estate transaction, which would require a real estate license.

Its raw land so he knows that installing utilities would be necessary if he decides to put a mobile home or build a small home on it.