I have access to off market SFH's if you are interested.Good Luck

Most counties these days have access via their websites.

Later, when I start investing, I'll have the same advantage and be able to access the MLS.  

Long-term I'd hope to grow a buy-and-hold portfolio, but I'm very focused on this first purchase for right now.Since I work downtown, don't own a car (and don't want to), and spend most of my time in Central LA, I'm looking really closely at areas around downtown: lower-cost areas with decently affordable 2-4 unit buildings (in the $400,000 to $800,000 range) like Pico-Union, areas around USC, and even up around Hollywood/Koreatown when the rare good deal shows up there.I've been looking around on Redfin a bunch, but have seen little to nothing that satisfies Josh and Brandon's "Two Percent Rule" (or even 1% rule).

Not to mention the taxes on condos are much lower than single-family homes especially in the Chicago area where I am at.

Other then them having access to the MLS, what do they bring to the table for me if all I'm going to do is assign the contract and move on...?  

I have access to 2 administration staff 7 days a week.

Ross Ellington , if the sum of your mortgage interest, any points, and property taxes exceed $6,300 for single filer or $12,600 married filing joint or $9,300 for head of household THEN you would elect to itemize your deductions and lower your taxable income by the sum of interest, points and tax.

I can lower my student loan payment because I'm paid ahead quite a bit. 

Have access to cash deals in the $100K - $150K range.