Quote from @Brent Thomas:@Adam Reilly I would assume you are civil engineer based on this last response.

Hey Drew, this home won't rent for $3,165 per month as stated in a previous response. 

@Michael Smythe thanks for the response.

Alternatively they can purchase a portfolio of occupied homes at a discounted price because the seller of the portfolio in most instances first tried their hand at selling the homes individually to the owner occupant and after experiencing 13-15% in disposition fees and expenses realized its not worth the effort and better to package the assets and sell discounted to another investor.Keep in mind, most of these SFH's are in stagnant markets meaning limited appreciation and if you ever took the time to look at an amortization schedule  there's no meaningful principal paydown for many years.

As long as the custodian company is responsive I wouldn't worry too much.Do your due diligence and make sure the custodian company is legitimate.

I emailed Zillow about this issue but have not received a response yet.

Thank you all for your insightful responses; I hope you all had a great holiday!

I currently own my primary residence where I am responsible for the mortgage.

Often times these approved vendors are more expensive than the individual you can contract with on your own because they know they are the only show in town.3.

If a blind gets damaged, they are likely responsible for the damage.