Do you think Airbnb and VRBO consider your best interest and profitability when determining pricing, or are they just worried about getting guests into your place?

Sold it recently to make a nice profit.

However, profits would be bigger if there were no HOA fee and there would be more opportunity to make improvements on the property.

If we're consistently profitable and find that the cleaner is not effective in responding to guest needs, then we will not hesitate to go the dedicated on-island agent route.

Thus, you will have a higher profit margin. - When paying with Hard Money, you will have added closing and holding costs.

I've looked at the fastest growing areas in other states and while I think you can profit from real estate everywhere, perhaps with a different strategy, investing in the fastest growing areas in the state seems to me to give an edge or a push in the right direction.David KrulacBigger Pockets Podcast #82

If you have never done this as a full time business I will throw caution to the wind it is not as easy or as profitable as online forums make it out to be, and if you need money for living this probably is not going to sustain your lifestyle for the first several years. 

I think it can be profitable for seasoned real estate investors who have both the time and expertise to make sure their rehab project stays on budget, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend biting off more you can chew and doing BRRRR for your first deal.

My motivation to sell was because I figured I had just purchased an investment in a bad area, and I was essentially doomed to make a profit/even break-even on it.

If you're in the real estate investment business and must watch every penny, irrespective of your time, then by all means, do what you think will keep your expenses to a minimum.If, on the other hand, you are really in the business of creating profit by way of being a good marketer and a committed dealmaker, your creative energies ought to be reserved for doing what you do best (or intend to do best)...