Please also do your research to make sure you've explored all your options and looked up any "professionals" who are offering to help, online.

I've only been talking to couple people and researching online for couple weeks.

With online forums it is much easier to invest out of state and out of country these days.We manage 1,000 properties and almost 50-60% are out of state or out of country investors buying in Texas. 

I suggest AdWords if you're going the online route, simple because people will be searching you and submitting info as opposed to just clicking random buttons on Facebook.

I’d like to hear from those of you who have used them, or similar platforms, to see how accurate the company’s rent estimates were.

As far as calculating interest, it's not difficult to do it on a calculator but you can just go online and find dozens of sites that can do it in just 1 minute.

@Eric Creager I have 2 rentals and have not needed these services yet. turbo tax, personal ownership and a vetted online lease are adequate when starting out. as you grow your business that may change.

During the seminar they gave me a glimpse of shortsales etc.. and access to “Deal Desk” a platform in which i can find deals not listed in MLS

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

@Ahmed Sublaban  Yeah you won't be able to get it online from the San Joaquin County Assessor's Office.