I'm just hoping someone with actual knowledge of it can provide some information that offers an alternate explanation.

While it’s not uncommon for full-service managers, you might find lower rates (~10-15%) or alternative solutions like co-hosting services, especially if you handle bookings, rate adjustments, or guest communication yourself.

They are not alternatives for the same goal. 

Here are a few alternatives to consider for your next property:One option is debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans, which are specifically geared towards real estate investors.

Most alternative investments work just like pretty much all RE niches work when deployed effectively.   

An alternate viewpoint is that the group is closing so many deals because they have an edge in a competitive market.

Our thought is a bunch of $.06 per minute charges on your credit card would be too many line items on your CC statement, so by default the system will reload your account in $50 increments (you can change this to any increment)In the dialer interface, I thought we displayed $99 for unlimited minutes as an add-on to the main app as an alternative to pay per minute.

When interest rates rise, in a balanced market, rents should rise, as the alternative to renting - buying a home - becomes that much more expensive.

Establish an emergency fund and target stable long-term rentals or short-term rentals in markets you understand.House hacking or private lending can offer alternative entry points depending on your risk tolerance and hands-on involvement.

It kind of seems like you are looking to call their bluff but that only works if they are raising rents above market and you have an alternative.