Professional guidance can be obtained from local personal experts experienced in your particular niche.  

And if you’re listing the house online, try platforms like LoopNet or local Facebook groups for real estate or community housing.Just make sure to do your homework and ask for references, check their track record, and make sure they’re following any local zoning or licensing rules.

I've seen a lot of bad excel templates online...

Just the same way the increase in the money supply from 1969-1972 was the cause of the inflation we experienced in the same way just a few years later.

When the date came he said he wasn't going to submit it by the online app (stipulated in the lease) but would have it in cash and that we could come pick it up (we live 3 hours away). 

Insurance Housing Partnerships:Insurance companies do sometimes need temporary housing for families, but the process to get on their radar can be unclear, as you experienced with GEICO.

Maybe you  can try a joint partnership with an experienced Investor/flipper and get your feet wet , you would be bringing capital to the table so I am sure many people would like to do that with you:)

Look at other rentals in the area and see not only how they are advertising or promoting online but also the inside and outside of the rental so you can create a similar environment to try to replicate the same results.

A well qualified business broker or someone else experienced in those calculations (think someone with statistics/finance expertise) can easily do this.  

This is pushing many to look at areas that still offer strong cash flow backed by solid economic factors.I’m originally from Florida, but experienced the same issue after factoring in all the expenses.