They balked when I asked them for proof of their portfolio's past performance - which led me to believe they were aiming too high. 

The software interface isn't terribly efficient, but it performs its functions just fine)That said, I think there are some locks that have a wifi function and no fee, BUT they require interfacing with a smart hub - and the cost of setting that up combined with the amount of tech knowledge needed/potential for things to go wrong made me give them a pass.  

Things are expensive in Florida but you can still find "deals" or properties that will perform where you can get 10-25%+ CoC returns. 

So, they aren't in a position to take a property back if the buyer doesn't perform.

In my experience, smaller cabins perform better than the larger ones.

we do notes as well. for non performing loans we say $800M in loans last quarter, we bid on approx. $50M of them and our hit rate (what we close on), is typically around 10%.

If I were the seller I’d return your deposit on two grounds: first, you breached the purchase agreement by not performing, and; second you seem like a flake. 

I think that a concern of mines is what happens in the event of a performing note going non-performing. 

They want someone with eyes and ears onsite for you because you being that far away how do you know the work is being correctly performed?

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!