It took a LOT of books and audiobooks (podcasts weren't a thing yet) to start the mental transformation to get rid of the W2 mindset and how to go into business for myself.

They seemed to think that I could go climb a pole and repair the transformer or something......

That was a great transformation!  

For example: A booking fee to cover CX/CC/Supplies/Refunds/Charge backs etc is reasonable those would add up to ~6%.

I am sure it has transformed a lot.Anyway, my advise is that you should revisit/rethink your decision to purchase homes at such a high price for rentals.

Awesome transformation!

Can they combine sweat equity with their investment to transform what their life looks like right away? 

The HOA's are worse than ever and whole neighborhoods are being transformed by too many tenants and multiple SUV's spread out accross what used to be grass in the front yard.

There was a nice article on the Herald Bulletin regarding how the company is transforming homes in Anderson Indiana.

Purchase price: $70,000 Cash invested: $50,000 Contributors: Adrià Creixell A former local butcher shop that is being transformed into a beautiful, spacious, light apartment where the old characteristics are being maintained.