I am trying to reconcile actual material spend per category vs. what was initially allocated, and it's getting cumbersome going through 100s of line items.If there is a different way to go about material budget reconciliation, happy to consider that as well

I decided to give Evolve a try, thinking their marketing would increase my bookings from VRBO, as well as overall bookings.  

I think this is a way to try to lock people into using only Airbnb

Try to network with other wholesalers to see how much volume you need, what type of postcards and how competitive each market is. 

It's the easiest way to try being a landlord without dealing with tricky renovation projects.

If it were me I would probably try to sell the lot and wait and see what happens.  

I'm trying to buy a house.

To me sounds like something an amateur would do who is trying to save a few dollars hiring the cheapest vendor option out there.

Many of these GP's are trying to uphold a status or reputation.

The brokerage you work for would want you and perhaps even require you to try to convert that into a listing because the brokerage wants to be paid their share as well.