As an experienced Maintenance Data Specialist and Interior Electrician well trained in interpreting and understanding contractual obligations and requirements.

In my current occupation, I'm used to digging for and collecting as much data as possible before making an investment decision.

https://www.quora.com/Is-there-an-API-to-access-MLS-data

I am interested in map/location IDXs which can be run on hand held devices.Also, are there MLS sites which will allow me to download raw data for "FREE"?

I pay only about 2k a year for my MLS dues and board dues  and of course I only use the MLS for data information but its invaluable to me.. plus I can get into any listed home I want ..

Alex,Nothing beats the real data, but if you do not have that, you can perform a quick triage using 50% of your revenue as operating expenses ... if you carry the heating - in your area, cooling - costs via a central HVAC, you might want to allow 60% to be safe.That which remains after the operating costs - the Net Operating Income - is the pool you have to fund your debt service and your capital expenditures reserve {for things that eventually wear out: HVAC, roof, windows, etc.}.  

Are there better services that provide similar real time data?  

Maybe your combined cell phones cost 150 monthly and you could cut your data plan way down and have a 70.00 dollar bill.

However, the idea of the website is to take the fragmented world of contracting services and aggregate data to put consumers in a more advantageous position to talk to contractors.

I would really like to know if anyone has used one of these services, and what kind of data did they get.