., shifts in pricing, demand-supply changes).Analyze local or regional real estate data.Identify key economic indicators impacting the housing market.Stay ahead of demographic changes or migration trends.Do you have any go-to platforms, datasets, books, or even strategies that have been especially valuable?

Why don't you do a LOT more research here on BP, via articles, books and podcasts, then apply what you've learned and then ask clarifying questions on the forums?

They charge 15% reservation fee for a complete management or $150 monthly if you do place bookings and they do coordinate maintenance, inventory, cleanings, front desk, admin stuff, and etc. 

Lenders also have interest only options that could help with cashflow especially on acquisitions to allow you to get the listing up, and have your listing gain momentum (some listings start off slow while they accrue bookings, reviews, etc.)

People want and use them and if you don't have them, some folks will pass on booking. 

I am eager to learn more from actual experience, not just books and websites!   

I understand equity and cash-flow are related, but what I mean is that I don't need the cash flow right now as much as I'd like to build a strong portfolio that can cash flow even more later on.I've owned a single-family rental for 4 years, but on mulitple fronts I felt like I've done a poor job self-managing it, so this Fall I picked up the Turners' book on managing rentals and that's what led me here to Bigger Pockets online.

Lots of threads on this forum and cheap books you can buy.

Anything more than a gut job is a plus in my book, I assume the worst. 

I'm currently reading Brandon Turner's book on No and low money down.