We are taught to defer to the City zoning departments and to direct buyers to that department for their own due diligence. 

If we include investments in mortgage loans (trust deeds), real estate partnerships, REITs as well as direct property ownership, I’m at about 80%.  

For your scenario, a DSCR loan could work well if the property’s projected rental income can cover debt payments, but most DSCR lenders don't include renovation costs directly.

To answer your question, no I do not use a PM, I've been self managing for a few years.

A lot of investors who succeed in EC know the tenant base very well and a lot of them self manage.

I have a self-direct IRA and could use some passive options.

With the use of VRBO, Booking.com and direct bookings can all raise your chances of staying booked and being successful.  

My market is San Diego so I do not have direct referral for a GC in north Hollywood but I will say my preferred way to get contractors is direct referral.

Buyers who go directly to the listing agent will not see the same savings, if they see any savings at all.

Since we have been moving to the larger commercial senior living community properties, she is directing the transition to our systems and evaluating their leadership to determine if they will fit well with us.