On the monthly fee I don't see paying it to advertise when there are free sites like Postlets and CL that reach far and wide.The one advantage it claims to have is that each landlord's unique renter criteria is being stored on their database so that the applicants can be "pre-approved" before the showing. 

But it's directly from the sources and not some 3rd party looking to sell your information to advertisers.If you see anything inaccurate, write a challenge letter.Don't go finance the world.

I am challenged by your courage to give up security and dive head first into real estate.I could totally relate to your dad saying, "not to trade security for uncertainty".That is the mantra of typical Asian parents, especially 1st generation immigrants.  

We have found it a challenge to get real estate agents who understand investor criteria.

Having always loved looking at open houses as a kid, and currently always chasing the best deals around multiple supermarkets on any given day, I am looking forward to the challenges, lifestyle, and possibilities of real estate investing.I plan on doing some wholesaling deals initially to get experience making deals.  

I have found a new motivation and I'm ready for any challenges. 

Yup, definitely more challenging the more branches the banks have.Again, my experiences tell me if you can reach a local bank with one or 2 branches, most likely locally/family owned, you can make a good connection.These banks do exist, it's just harder to find them.  

He went on to say that the application process is challenging, that there is no guarantee that you will get a home that I apply for.

The challenge of working w/ investors, if the investor is new, is time.  

The type of assets you buy will be related to how much money you have.If you are looking to place 50k etc. then it is more challenging.