If I don't yet have access to the MLS (still working on getting a good Realtor), what other sites offer RELIABLE 'recently sold' data that I can use to get comps for determining the ARV of a target property?

Well, I hope not coz I know Craigslist is a reliable source of ads if you want to sell or promote just about anything.Instead of creating fake ones, why not create real ads so as not to mislead other buyers

I think in the end it is more important to have someone reliable and trustworthy working with your business than to save a dollar here or there, and unfortunately, those people are hard to come by these days.

Windows and the whole "energy efficiency" movement have become a big deal.

To do title search, is it reliable if I just pay the private online website to get the ownership info?

Banks are not required to fill out a property disclosure.They are selling "as-is".During due diligence a buyer has their "right to their own inquiry".Meaning if they want to spend the money to satisfy whatever report or inspection they want they can go ahead.If a listing agent only has one picture the inside is usually trashed or the agent is just lazy with the pictures.I like to give a overview of condition but say "information deemed reliable but not guaranteed".There is simply no way for a broker/agent to know all problems associated with a property.With my listings I want to be 100% transparent with the numbers and the condition I see.It makes no sense to blow smoke and then pray the buyer will overlook things.What happens is everyone's time is wasted and the buyer cancels the contract.You look bad to your seller and the buyer and have now lost 2 clients for future business.So give the information you know and be accurate as much as you can with the data.

Rentometer isn't going to be a reliable estimator -- you need to either talk to a local property manager who would be familiar with rents or do an analysis yourself.Next, make sure that you have a good grasp of the rehab costs.

Focus your time and energy on learning one strategy, implement it, master it and systemize it.

Stick with the old energy and water wasters and save the call and the down time.

Also renters are picky nowadays because they have many alternate choices in this market and will look for energy efficient stuff like newer windows in the home to help their monthly bill.