The three reasons sellers typically choose the off-market route are privacy, potential savings, and price testing.

I also disagree  property owners who are unable or choose not  to pay 1/3 up front are dead beat customers. 

Whether you choose to charge a flat fee for every day that the rent is late, or whether you charge a set percentage of the rental amount, there is a maximum amount that you are allowed to charge every month.

First step is to narrow down what strategy you want to pursue, then choose the market based on the strategy. 

If we choose either option, are there things we should be aware of?

For quick math one month vacancy is almost 2k lost income, re-leasing expenses 2k and there are always at least 2k worth of work (sometimes just upgrades we choose to do).

@Frank Nguyen, depending on the exact area that you choose, this might work out for you.

They choose to use our service, which means less $ for them vs going it alone, and they love it!

Yes, insurance all over is going up, especially in FL with hurricanes and CA with fires which will have an effect here and other places.I was thinking that, if a lot of homes were damaged, there would be fewer undamaged ones to choose from, and greater demand, causing prices to rise.

Opt for a property management company with deep regional expertise to get the most out of your investment.Property Expertise: Look for a firm that has experience managing properties similar to yours and is familiar with your asset class’s specific challenges.Company Culture: Choose a firm with a customer-focused culture that values team management and service, as this directly affects property performance.Market Reputation: Speak with local brokers and visit managed properties to get a sense of the company’s track record.By focusing on these factors, you can find a property management company that aligns with your goals and delivers real value.