Very common up here in the Bay Area, actually.

It's pretty common to get half a month's rent, which is then split between you and your brokerage.My best advice is to focus completely on finding a company or mentor who is at the top of their game and NOT AT ALL ON THE MONEY. 

Separately metered gas & electric are generally viewed as more valuable because water is less commonly metered.

Do the same there and see if you find any common brokers who list a handful of the size property you want and connect with them. 

This is a fairly common issue with older properties  where root structures create a dislocation in the line causing constant backups and the only remedy is replacement.

(Btw, I found this to be a very common first time landlord mistake).  

Common expenses would be utility mandated SCADA upgrades for system isolation, metering packages, engineering & testing, etc.

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.

I am launching my first STR and I was wandering what are the most common site for bookings besides Air b n b and what are their pros and cons. 

It is very common for tenants to be nasty when the air conditioning goes out.