If your average heating bill is $150, you may not collect enough in the winter months when the bill reaches $225 but you'll collect extra in the summer when it drops to $65.

The shortage exists for lots of reasons, but a lot has to do with lack of trades folks to do the work, which drives costs up, which creates "unaffordable" housing. 

Many bad renters will offer to pay extra up front as a means of avoiding your screening or skipping to the front of the line ahead of more-qualified applicants.

Any list you can pull for a few bucks has already been hammered by hordes of investors before you.Not saying this way can't work, but I recommend a different path...I prefer to focus on sellers who have a reason to sell but who require some effort and skill to identify.My favorites are #TiredLandlords, namely owners who have filed an eviction lawsuit against their non-paying tenants.Many of these folks are through being in the rental business and are open to hearing about a way out.Even better, #TiredLandlords are ideal candidates for seller financing, since they don't need the sale proceeds to buy another house, PLUS they are already conditioned to receiving monthly payments over a period of time.

Your thoughts on vacancy rates and rental rates for MTR's, specifically for 2/2 and 3/2's for healthcare or corporate folks in the area?

Almost every host has experienced it, a high maintenance guest that you go the extra mile for and reports nothing wrong during the stay, but then posts a hyper critical review as if they are Gordon Ramsay reviewing a restaurant.I have always opted to just not post a reply, especially since we have over 50 great reviews on both sites.

We have a 3 day minimum stay and I don't plan on changing that.When you require a 7 day minimum, you will limit the number of folks who can rent the place.

Carlsbad DOES allow short-term rentals in the "Coastal Zone," which is where my dad's place is.Mentor's HomeMariposa, CA80-acre lot2000 sq ft 2/2 home (with an extra study and large living room)Worth approx. $750kThis is more of an emotional project for me.

insurance companies are also charging extra to cover ice machines. 

Likely not, but if you don't mind taking the risk and spending a little extra in taxes (from missing possible deductions or misunderstanding the law) then that's ok.