I prefer to hold "open houses" instead of individual appointments.  

The kicker here is turnkey companies have access to contractors and materials cheaper than you and I do.However, it may take you a little more time, but if you ask around for contractor recommendations in your network, and then hire each job individually I think you'll save the most money that way rather than hiring a GC. 

Just a guess here:For such a portfolio, assuming all things equal, sales price / total sqft * individual property sqftHowever, that IS THEIR JOB, so await the filing.

I decided to go the route of beginning my own real estate investment company and take charge of my own wealth.I was attracted to bigger pockets to learn and colaborate with like minded individuals pursuing their dreams and goals.  

It's great to have you, and hey it's a pretty neat place to meet with like-minded individuals. :)

If realtors are involved, your down payment just increased 6% and you now have to educate 3 individuals instead of one most likely.It would have to be a wrap.  

I understand that, as an individual tax payer, there are considerations for rental properties vs. personal/vacation properties and cases where expenses will not be deductible.

I know I can dig through sold listings individually, but didn't know if anyone has found a way to aggregate the necessary data to see lists of homes which were sold twice within a designated period of time, chart the spreads, possibly see pics of the results, etc.I'm spending a lot of time scrolling through sold listings in my target area/price range to try and develop a gut feel for what homes are selling for and in what condition.

(A real estate individual in my area sits on a few hundred million dollars, he can afford to pay cash for all properties, and he gets great deals because of it) If you're like us normal people (net worth not in the multi millions, yet;) you want to leverage your money.

Also, there are a lot of individuals that are stationed overseas that are doing meet-ups in their area.Where are you headed on after you rotate back?