What was your experience like in terms of communication, accuracy of the data, and the condition of the property compared to what was presented?

I’ve successfully built a stack that automates the intake and skip-tracing process for approximately $0.15–$0.30 per lead (API costs only).The Strategic Flow:Data Integrity: Using Google Address Autocomplete to ensure zero-error data entry from the start.Instant Valuation: Pulling real-time market data to provide the seller with a custom offer range immediately.Automated Skip Tracing: The system automatically pulls legal owner names, mobile numbers, and emails the second the form is submitted.Remote Management: I manage the entire logic (margins, repair costs, SMS triggers) through a Slack/Telegram integration so I don't need a heavy CRM.I’m currently running this through a Google Sheets backend to keep the tech stack lightweight.I’m curious to hear from the veterans here—at what volume does it make sense to move away from 'all-in-one' platforms and into custom API-driven automation?

Many landlords double-check with tools like TransUnion SmartMove or RentPrep to get cleaner identity matching and more reliable credit and background data.

Naples, Miami, Boca Raton, and Fort Meyers are all probably great places to researching and analyzing properties and market data.

NAR pulled their data on ADU valuations yesterday on the premise of the data being old.  

Also as a fellow data person - the spreadsheet breaking point is real.

Listing platforms are great for exposure, not final screening, especially once you operate across multiple states.A few principles that consistently hold up:Control the applicationSelf-reported income is a placeholder, not verification.Treat anything typed in by an applicant as unverified until proven otherwise.Why paystubs and bank statements fall shortPDFs are easy to edit or purchase.They show a moment in time, not income stability.Once you interpret documents yourself, the risk shifts to you.Better income verificationUse direct-connect tools where applicants log into payroll or banking systems themselves.Data comes straight from the source, not uploaded files.You see employment status, hire date, pay frequency, and real income.Reference calls are unreliableMost are coached or selective.Ownership and contact details should be sourced independently, not provided by the applicant.Background and eviction checks need layersSingle databases miss records.A cascading search tied to address history catches far more issues.Human review still matters when data doesn’t line up cleanly.What a solid workflow looks likeOne secure application link.Identity, income, criminal, and eviction checks run together.Pay for what you use, no subscriptions.A little friction upfront saves a lot of value later.

I'm into STR investing, and to analyze deals, I use AirBnB and Vrbo real booking data.

(approx 35% of yearly rev there comes from Dec, Jan, February) We would airbnb our current place in Jersey which would do relatively well during those months, but it difficult to get a pulse when the data is all over the place. 

Almost every other state allows the data to be publicly available online except for Virginia.