I also hear from a lot of landlords that they aren't interested because it doesn't sound like a "Win" for them.Here is what I've found works - - - - - - - (1) Picking your target correctly Theoretically, you could rent any residential space and Arbitrage it, but realistically you need to find a place where you, a total newbie, can create enough value to begin a partnership.  

It will sell mores easily and be a safer product.

The best way to win is staying in the game the longest. 

Thankfully it is month to month for you and you can easily give notice. 

Generally most people you speak with are going to provide you a quote with their "standard" commission built in and anything less would be them taking a reduced commission to win your business. 

For supercharged cash flow I like this rule of thumb as my #s seem to flesh out well w/in these margins:1BR under $100K2BR under $200K3BR under $300K4BR under $400KMaybe you can go up a notch on each if you want to break even w/cash flow...so to each his own w/that.Of course if they are being sold furnished / turnkey, I'd add in $5-10K of value (depending on how nicely furnished it is) per bedroom.  

Investment Info:
Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $315,000

Cash invested: $80,000

This was my first Airbnb purchase. I used a DCSR loan and I spent around $30,000 ...

It is truly possible these students have made so much money so quickly and easily from REI that they now do not advertise their deals on their amazing clever investor websites and do not answer or return phone calls or emails?

Chances are you won't get anything even if you go to small claims court and win. 

Sounds like an internal policy decision that you will never win, regardless of any reasonably prudent measures you take.