There are some great tax strategies for short-term rentals, but very important to be aware of the personal use rules to make sure 280(A) doesn't become an issue. 

- Reading / asking around and coming to find out that S8 doesn’t pay anywhere near the FMR price on the HUD website.

Title doesn’t fund until docs recordedYou just gave an unsecured loan.

Just because one obtains a judgement, doesn’t mean they are able to collect the judgement.  

My approach doesn't require any special expertise in trades to make the estimates only that you are honest with yourself about your estimates.

I don't know, but 2 people digging (well using equipment to dig) a 3 foot deep 120 foot trench for $350 and installing the drain doesn't seem that bad. 

I actually have a house on the market that has been listed for about 60 days - still gets interest and a couple offers, but nothing worth entertaining (if it doesn't sell, I'll just rent it out again).

Of course, when that program doesn't make a mint in a month, they are confused.

There are so many misconceptions about what a property management company "should do"  The fact is, if it isn't in the management agreement, they aren't responsible to do it.I agree if they're not being truthful about contacting the electrician etc that doesn't foster trust in the relationship. 

the market is unforgiving right now, and if you buy a random property by looking on Zillow and turn it over to people you don't know to manage, you'll lose money.with respect to your specific question, if the property is safe, clean, and priced correctly, it will rent. but that doesn't mean you'll make money on it.