Additionally, those forced to relocate due to the fires should update their address with the IRS to ensure they continue to receive relevant communications.

For the next 10 months (40 weeks) you spend a fairly reasonable 5 hours a week marketing, communicating with guests and your property manager and bookkeeping.

This experience reinforced the need for efficient budgeting and timely execution to ensure profitability.

Again, this is due to how long it was taking to get work done, the quality and lack of communication (I'm happy to post examples as well), and frankly, the quality of work expected once I realized how many things I was not told about before the purchase.However, you did not offer in any way to address issues left by the prior tenant and made it clear that it was my responsibility.

My business has access to AppFolio, but it doesn't seem to communicate with the STR side of things. 

So the incentives don't truly align so you have to REALLY want to make it happen and likely do several deals to create efficiencies.

Shopify might feel restrictive because it's not built for the complexities of managing properties or handling booking systems efficiently.

Make sure the previous property management company did their job and communicated a change in management prior to you taking over--along with your contact information.If they have no done this, they should so the tenant doesn't feel like a scam may be going on.Just make sure they're away of where rent payments need to go and who they can contact in the future. 

You can also tell her to call the utility company about the best way to save, as turning off heat and on is not efficient having to run longer blasting out cold air as opposed to leaving it set at a lower temp. :)

Communicating timelines and expectations upfront can help prevent losing good prospects to other properties.I'd say it's a potential red flag if they want to sign the lease without viewing it.