Encore Resort Questions for new STR

[Jason Anderson]

Hello, this is my first post here so I apologize if I don’t know the lingo or the proper etiquette to go with these posts but I’m learning!

I am getting ready to purchase an STR in Encore Resort, Kissimmee. The other STRS I operate and own are high dollar properties and are usually pricier but have performed very well for me, so I like to target that. I'm looking at a 1.1 million dollar home in encore. 11 beds 13 baths.

I understand Kissimmee Florida may be the most saturated rental market in the world but I believe it still has very valuable opportunities if you get into it properly. 

I like the performance of other similar properties in encore resort, and I also like the close proximity to Disney. The HOA is higher but I think the community amenities are appealing to travelers within the groups I am targeting. I've also found a specific house within encore that I love.

The only large difference between this and the other properties I have is the proximity. My other short term rentals are closer to me and I’ve been able to manage emergencies. This would be on the other side of the country for me.

I’d like to be in control of the clerical work, like bookings and ads but I need a management company to provide 24/7 guest services, emergency maintenance, etc. but I’ve been doing a lot of research and it seems like most of the management companies like to do everything instead of just the things I’m searching for. Is it all or nothing?

I’d be fine with encore managing it if they have a team or other companies they prefer. But I really would like to be in charge of the listing because I have great ratings on my other short term rentals and want to post that within my host status. I’m also not interested in management companies that take 30% of the revenue so that’s why I’d prefer to do a lot of the hard clerical work. 

I'm just wondering if any of you have any tips with operating a short term rental with an encore resort. Any spectacular cleaning services that you would recommend. And any management companies that you know of that would cater to my situation. Maybe it doesn't exist and I'll just have to bite the bullet and pay for a management company to do everything but I really would prefer not to. But I've never posted from across the country before so I'm trying to figure this out so I can calculate my ROI more accurately.