The tooling and know-how is not cheap, which is why we don't touch drywall unless it's an extremely small patch... and even then, I'd rather have my painter do it.

What I really want to know is how in MLS to search for absentee owners.... and any other useful tools and tricks you guys have figured out.http://www.prospector.metrolist.net/ is the portal I have been getting on...I would love to hear your insight! 

I have a full time career operating a small business but I decided to get my license to learn more about real estate and to use as a tool to help me with my investments.

You can spends DAYS doing what would otherwise take a pro with the right tools just a few short hours.

I agree with @James Masotti in that use the tools you have available here on Bigger Pockets.

It doesn't matter if you are a marketing wiz that finds a way to get hundreds of calls in on your rental listings if you don't pick up the phone when they call, politely answer their questions and get them one step closer to viewing the property and signing the lease it all is worthless.

That is where you might have personal liability.So, an LLC is just another tool.

It's a great tool. 

If they wanted to help people they would have gone into social work, not real estate.It's a terrific marketing tool for them.

Search through tools at the top and you can get there.https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/logdog/file/fha-self-sufficiency-rule-for-3--and-4-unit-properties