@Candice Coates I actually co-host since I still live in CA for now

We also have a bank account at a smaller Chicago community bank, but there technology isn't as good to be honest.I think @Jonathan Greene's main point is don't step over dollars to pick up pennies. 

LIREIA hosts at least one meet-up event every month on Long Island. 

Fellow STR host.

I was at host con and he was one of the speakers.

I cannot fathom having a MTR that required the family we are hosting to setup their own utilities. 

I suspect these hosts are buying off bad reviews.

Going to the events page above and seeing who is hosting meetups along with connecting with people at these meetups is a great way to grow your network of people within a small 25-50 mile radius.

But at first, just be a great host and you'll get great reviews.

But it will if it has to reach out to multiple hosts (who use dynamic pricing) as VRBO's inventory will be affected.