All of that will help but 5 star reviews get you bookings.

If you DM me, I'll send you a book we wrote to answer your question more in depthGino

However, due to it being:1) In the state of California2) A shared home, rather than an outright external property being rented...the default insurance company on offer advised that many carriers are pulling out of CA and that I should go to a local insurance agency.My current insurance for home policy does not offer a "home-sharing endorsement" but only a separate renter's insurance, which would complicate things, since it's for traveling professionals, and they're not going to be booking for 12 straight months.

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

I figured I would try out the "help" button that appears on every transaction when you go to "book" it (e.g., categorize it after it's imported from a bank account feed).

This Q4 was looking very well booked. 

It helps to start by picking one or two markets to research in depth, especially those that offer good value for your capital or align with your goals.For resources, I’d suggest diving into books like Rich Dad Poor Dad to build a solid real estate mindset, and maybe explore podcasts or online forums where real estate investors share experiences.

And you've joined one of the best communities for all things real estate investing.1️⃣ Download this ultimate beginner’s guide: https://assets2.biggerpockets.com/uploads/user_file/file_object/1694/UBG_2018.pdf2️⃣ Read BP beginner books on investing: https://store.biggerpockets.co...Also, read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill 3️⃣ Subscribe to BP podcasts or YouTube channel and watch their webinars. 4️⃣ Ask questions here on the forums.5️⃣ Visit (join) a local (and legit) real estate investment association.6️⃣ Consider joining a BP bootcamp: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-investing-bootcampsI wish you all the best in your investing journey!

The only thing I can think of is that bookings (these were STR projects) haven't been as strong as the group anticipated.

I have been reading books and I have been studying everything I can.