Still, without the MLS it proves to be more challenging.

I invest in central IL, and a big challenge has been property taxes.  

How do I come up with comparables if the house is the biggest one in the subdivision?

We have been doing this 25yrs and one of our biggest regrets is letting so many places go over the years because it didn't fit exactly into a formula.

What's the biggest factor in choosing a location?

My biggest question is if there should be some sort of fee for essentially doing the foot work, finding the property and going through all the steps given the down payment is being paid back.

Being a fair distance form the assets you seek to acquire this can be a challenge with many hidden surprises.

Hey BP,I'm currently looking at a deal to flip and have run into some challenges!! 

What is the bank's biggest concern?

You might be able to challenge this or how it was enacted.