I understand they're each independently owned and am curious how it works when multiple MLS systems exist within one county- Do they each only cover a portion of the county, do you need a membership to each one to have access to all listings within that county, etc.?

They know a million realtors and some have access to the MLS so setting them up on a drip is for babies.

Rehab is likely 6 figures (open the layout, rehab pool, rehab kitchen, rehab bathrooms (3) converting one bathroom from 0.5 to 0.75), new and relocated HVAC, Digital locks, patio with deck accessible from Master BR, convert office to BR, convert large BR into 2 BR).  

If you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

Can upgrading to a BP pro membership be considered a business expense being it grants access to tools to help find and analyze more properties?  

It takes tools, know-how, constant training and time!

Half of my properties have come to me by word of mouth because I'm constantly talking about real estate with everyone.

I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

I really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

Ryan, While getting your license will teach you about real estate law and give you access to the MLS, it is not necessary to be an investor and more importantly, its not going to teach you what you need to know to be an investor.