Hire a Reliable Real Estate Agent (you!)

Rents have increased slowly (not a ton of growth there), but we do have cash flow of about $1000/month & its locked into a 3% fixed rate. 

I just locked a first time home buyer at 5.75% FHA 30 year fixed so rates are moving in the right direction. https://www.gotrendvision.com/Post2WebResponsive.aspx?

As someone who is still very new to STRs I'm wondering if a service like Minoan would be worth it or too much of a hassle for newbie getting their other systems locked down. 

Hiring a Manager: Decide whether you'll manage the property yourself or hire a property management company.Tenant Screening: Develop a tenant screening process to find reliable renters who meet your criteria.Legal and Tax Considerations:Legal Structure: Consider forming an LLC or another legal entity to protect your personal assets.Tax Implications: Understand tax deductions available for rental properties, including mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.Networking and Education:Real Estate Forums: Participate in forums like this one to learn from experienced investors and ask questions.Local Real Estate Groups: Join local investor meetups or associations to network with professionals in your area.Continued Learning: Attend seminars, webinars, or workshops to stay informed about real estate investing strategies and market updates.Starting with a rental property while keeping your condo as an investment is a great way to begin building wealth through real estate.

He was there for a very short time, then I locked up the unit.

You could spend some time doing market research and eventually find a niche, an underserved market that was still pretty good with stable/reliable sales, solid comps and investor interest.

Are they ususally reliable?

It's important to thoroughly vet potential tenants to ensure that they are reliable and will take good care of your property. 

She is in a big beautiful house on Parkside Drive with a wing that can basically be separated off by a locked door, but her wing doesn't have a kitchen.