Manufacturing it retroactively for the current year sounds too much like fraud.GROUP 3: Tax strategies that really are for EOY considerationPlace rental properties in service. 

If you prefer to be hands-off with full-service management, then I'd plan on paying around 20% commission as that's pretty common.

I activate them with my email, but tenants have to use their own subscription to the premium streaming services. 

Airbnb wants hosts to use their service over other platforms and that is why they reward hosts who use Airbnb's own pricing system, smart lock, instant booking, accommodation...

I added a "cowboy pool" to one property...now I've got a pool that needs cleaning and most pool companies don't service above ground pools, go figure. 

If cleaners don't offer that as part of their service or agree to start, we won't use them.

I'll take any and all advice any of you have, but the two things I'm looking for specifically are: what sites, services, and/or software you use and recommend for sceening and managing tenants? 

Ensure the rents and expenses support the debt service and provide solid cash flow after covering the assumable loan, seller carry payments, and operating costs.Occupancy & Rent Roll: What’s the current occupancy rate?

As noted, commission are always negotiable as are brokerage options (full service to discount companies that pretty much just post it on the MLS and you work with all calls, offers, etc) and an agent can go over likely net out scenarios with you and give you an idea what you likely will be able to net after closing expenses and paying off the mortgage balance. 

I’ve used public records in Texas to identify estates in transition.