There are companies out there that have 0 skin in the game and are just referral sources and there are others who are vertically integrated so they own/manage the entire process from start to finish. 

And the number of accommodations/rooms in the area doesn't meet demand already, and it's only going to increase.

If you're going to rent the space or sell it as livable space, it will need to meet code.

We host an investor meet up every month in Alexandria, VA.  

If you pay more, you won't meet your metrics and will probably have negative cashflow and/or equity.You may have to make 10, 20 or even 100 offers to get one accepted at the price that meets your numbers.

Spending more than 100 hours and more than anyone else, or substantially all the time in the business.So if you own an STR and meet the test, you can set up a tax deduction machine.Some issues -- You have to count your time, and the time other people work in the biz (cleaning, maintenance, etc..)- If use the property more than 15 days or 10% of the time it becomes a residenceI suspect this is part of why the STR trend has picked up so greatly amongst professionals working in tech.

Anyone in Calgary or Lethbridge want to have a meet up?

I am open to learning from experienced individuals, whether through phone calls or Zoom meetings, to deepen my knowledge in this area.

Your resident might say they had to fly all over the country to attend meetings in person since their internet was out.  

Condensation: where warm humid air meets cold dry air.