I will say from personal experience, I think that because it is a paid platform that people take it more seriously and are more active in the community.

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

Risks include market fluctuations, property damage, tenant issues, and unexpected expenses.

Hey @Mike Nelson, never assume anything about STR rules and regs.Here is the STR rules for Oak Park - https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/oakparkil/latest/oakpa...I would call the city and make sure it is legal for a specific property.Now regarding the famous person angle, sure it can add value to the property or as a STR, but for STR use, I would think you would need it to be in original condition with a lot of the furniture and knick-knacks that were owned by the famous person along with a bunch of photos etc featuring the famous person.If you buy a place that has been totally redone but was owned by someone famous but has no features or things that were theirs, then I don't see it being a draw. 

UPDATE:  After 4 days of back and forth with Airbnb CS, they finally decided to do the right thing and issue my payout for a reservation that a guest cancelled in the amount of $1,333.75. 

Is it a common issue for beginners to get a PM on board with only 1 property to manage to start?

What if something changes with how that platform works?

After I joined there was one very specific, honest review by Zach Harsh and boy did he get slandered for it.

•Check historical flood maps to see if flooding has been a recurring issue in the neighborhood.3.

Not sure of specifics.