They're very in depth and accurate and you could even argue that they give away our secrets, right?

They identifiy the "good ones" for the investor by visiting the property, preparing an accurate rehab estimate, pulling accurate market comps and market rent rates, utilize their REO broker contacts, etc.There's a little bit of fatigue and time restrictions on the part of investors who are trying to process numerous new REOs hitting the market every day (often folks who have regular jobs), so there is definitely a role for a good intermediary that is worth a fee.

It makes you dependent on those assessed values being accurate and in my area they can vary widely for similar properties.Assumming the govt is efficient is dangerous.Over many properties, the averages might work out, but the problem is that you are going to try to cherry pick the "best" deals where the values diverge the most.

Two resources we've found to be invaluable are:www.truecredit.comwww.creditchecktotal.comOur company offers a myriad of various different types of loans and financial services, and we find these sites provide the most accurate scores when compared with the information seen by and at the big banks (Wells Fargo, B of A, Citi, Chase, etc.) when they do a hard credit pull on an applicant.

Not 100% reliable, but probably accurate in this case.

It is a quick and dirty method, if done accurately, to indicate whether or not the purchase price supports an investment likely to provide a positive cash flow over a long term holding period.

Because other aspects of my business(es) will have great impact on my tax bracket, available deductions, etc, I'm not sure I could accurately factor taxes into the equation even if I wanted to.

You must have an experienced individual run through the property and give an accurate estimate of repairs (and it must be based on the exit strategy, ie. if a retail flip, then rehab should be based on that, if a buy and hold exit to a landlord, then rehab based on that quality)

This is not usually too accurate but can be the basis of an offer if it makes sense for you.What is it worth to you?

What it sounds like from the local "in the know" CPA is that the following "related party transaction" should occur as follows:1 Agent and 501(C)(3) enter agreement dictating that a specific amount of money will be donated by agent from "qualified transactions".2) RE agent generates a commission from the sale of a "qualified transaction".3) Agent donates predetermined amount of money to 501(C)(3).4) 501(C)(3) realizes this income as non-UBI, agent expenses the amount paid, so there is no negative tax implication for either party.Does this sound plausible and accurate?