Open escrow with homeowner, end-buyer, and self; self transfers contract to purchase to end-buyer in Title/Escrow, and provides T/E with end-buyer's contract with self: agreement to purchase, and fee instructions for self ($10k + difference if any) to be paid out of closing escrow5.

But if you just want an idea of rents for a limited number of units, the free version may work for you.Does it also provide historical data?

Only an accountant would bring this up but it highlights one of the greatest tax strategies available.  

If you provide a scope of what you are demo-ing, you may have better luck with someone's experience to comment here, but costs can vary regionally, so a local contractor would give you the best actual estimate. 

There are several turnkey providers in town who can handle the process for you from top to bottom but you will give up some of the equity for the ease/reduced risk of the transaction.

You are obligated to provide the oldest verifiable operating statement (base year), which is adjusted into today's dollars (Using an LA City formula for inflation) and this is compared to your current year (yes with receipts, cancelled checks, bank statements, k1's etc), which can be significant. 

Ease of tracking expenses for me and accountants is the other major factor for me on the software.I'm hoping some experienced voices could provide a sanity check, but if we can thread the needle financially this would be a win-win-win at a time when money is only getting more expensive.

They can provide you with some great insight about investing in that market.Staci

Time would be the biggest variable.Assuming the same repeatable services will have to be provided for STR & MTR, that are not provided for LTR, the costs may not be that different.Taking care of lawns, monitoring & paying utilities, taking calls, etc.Some services will be the same, but vary in frequency: cleanings, resupplying amenities, responding to inquiries, bookings, granting access, etc.

I hired an accounting firm specialized in FIRPTA to handle the forms and remittance and put them in touch with title, but after closing, title company sent them a check made out to the firm instead of IRS.Title company claims accounting firm should cash check and pay IRS themselves.