While we are faster than most financial institutions we sometimes discover last minute details (thank heavens!)

PS: not giving any of the check-in information until right before arrival helps avoid situations like this, where a new guest is beating on the door when someone else already has the right to be there until their check out time. 

The more experience you get, the better terms you are able to obtain, and the process is often easier and faster. 

Network with other investors through local meetups and real estate groups, and consider small multifamily investing for faster growth. 

It should start improving and as it improves prices are likely to rise faster than the San Diego market.  

Get a realtor who knows how they work and will scout them out for you when things slow down.In NKY you can't beat Ft Thomas and Ft Mitchell.

Still cashflows a lot and uses debt responsibly to expand a little faster.

I believe that a community of people grow faster than individual efforts.

Aside from that responsiveness, transparency, and consistency should be at the top of your list.

This approach can help you build a portfolio faster and potentially see bigger returns, but it comes with more risk and more work, and it depends on being able to refinance successfully.