They should be responsive and communicate clearly, possess a strong understanding of the local market, offer reasonable rates, and support borrowers throughout the process, all while ensuring legal compliance to protect your interests.

You'll need a reliable network of local professionals (plumbers, electricians, handymen) you can trust.Hiring a Property Manager:Peace of Mind: They handle day-to-day operations, tenant communications, and legal compliance.Local Expertise: They understand the local market trends and rental laws in Colorado Springs.Cost: While there’s a fee, many find it worth the reduction in stress and time commitment.Lessons Learned from ExperienceBuild a Strong Local Team: Even if you manage the property yourself, having a dependable local handyman and a real estate attorney can save you headaches.Leverage Technology: Utilize property management software for rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant screening.

I would have simply said they the ceiling fan stays when they move out as its an upgrade and a light fixture is a "fixture" aka once attached to real estate it legally becomes part of the real estate and YOUR (the landlord's) property.

I'll use legal consul if I need to, but again, was hoping to get acclimated to self-managing and doing this, as it is apt to come up again. 

Is there a way to separate from them legally without getting a lawyer involved? 

@Warren Barton a PMC should pay the legal owner of the property OR that owner's lega representative.If the properties are in your personal name, to have the PMC pay your LLC, you'd need to name your LLC as your legal representative and provide acceptable documentation to the PMC directing them to pay your LLC.They'd then 1099 your LLC via its EIN.

I think it would be a nice touch for my STR, but I'm not sure about the legalities.

You can face legal issues because of the existing mortgage/loan.The other options are Contract for deed and Wraparound mortgage.

@Zack KorensteinMy tax firm shares some clients with @Scott Smith and his legal firm.

Who is buying/selling (legal) stuff with it?