Actually a lot of the info you'd get from an operating statement (gross rent, expenses, NOI, etc.) is available on many listing websites like Redfin and realtor.com, albeit not as up to date as the MLS and not always accurate but that goes for all data provided by listings.Regarding MLS access: it is protected carefully with various methods such as keystroke tracking, IP address, simultaneous login etc. and agents can get in a lot of trouble for sharing their login info, which is good because within the massive database is a lot of private info that can be dangerous in the wrong hands like lockbox and security system codes.

I have a contractor who reached out to me and wants to partner with me. he wants me to secure the property and pay for the material and the work but wouldn’t that just be me hiring somebody?

If your after long term investments then there are other more secure ways of making a 7 to 10%+ on your money for example like buying A paper notes ( mortgage Notes) than a saving account or stock market.

How much do you ask for when asking for a security deposit?

 You need to:  A) Know thyself  B) Develop an understanding of what REIT's are and factors that effect their pricing  C) Develop an understanding of where you're going to invest if you buy physical propertyFor this comment Ill be talking about publicly traded REIT's as they're available to everyone through a brokerage account.

By paying it off you increase your security. 

I have seen many posts suggesting finding an “investor savvy realtor” and stating that there is a difference between realtors who service the general public and those who service investors.

I could move into a property that looks like a good deal (either in SF or the Easy Bay) and secure an FHA for 3.5% down by virtue of living in the property as my primary, rent out additional rooms, and essentially function as the property manager.

It is best to just look the info you want to know the answers to up on a public info site though.

The one that is leaving wants his security deposit back.