@Thomas SehonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

If you’re concerned speak with a real estate attorney. 

I love having real estate in my portfolio 

Accounting for real estate flipsAll money spend before the sale should be posted to the Balance Sheet for that specific property. 

I’m know to the real wastage investing game.

So this is a question for the real estate professionals on this forum.

Ok, so does one comp for what houses have sold for recently or for what the improving real estate market will pay?

So for every $100,000 you want to bid, you have to have $5,000 in real money on deposit.  

I am very eager about getting my foot into real estate and purchasing properties within the next 6 months.

Connect with a local investor friendly agent and start attending local real estate investing meet ups.Good luck!