@Michael Guydish first off it sounds like an awesome problem to have!

How effective and accurate are their results?

You do not replace anything or spend money on cosmetic items, strictly functional beyond paint.Very little you do by way of cosmetics will effect the appraisal much if only cosmetic.

And thank you for your service....Sounds like you have a solid plan for pursuing your REI career - I agree with Dmitriy that BP has great resources available to you.

@Joanna Golden the bad news is it sounds like no expenses to claim this year.

From your post, it sounded like the SCDOR and your CPA are treating your situation as though you are selling the homes.

I have not been to a meetup as well, but that sounds like a good idea. 

For the time being I plan on doing all the listing/advertising, data collection/analytics (excel), and payment collection myself (paypal/venmo) until I have enough properties that using a service like Cozy or Avail becomes cost and time effective.

It sounds like you were involved from the beginning. 

Sounds like a great reason not to have an LLC.