The exception is one guy I remember telling me I was a loser and how much “further along in life” he was than me because he had bought a house, bought a car and was going to school.”

This involved new windows, tile, refinishing cabinets, adding a bathroom, updating a front porch, and several other things to bring this property back to life.

I'm thinking of the expression "whatever works is what works for you" so I'm curious if maybe you should flip this problem upside down and start by thinking things like•What do I want my life to look like in 5-10 years?

This is a potential life raft for all STR owners who have been hijacked by the ever-increasing fees imposed by VRBO and AIRBNB. 

I've lived here my whole life and know the area and market very well.

Have spent my life in Overland Park so know it well. 

@Jose N. you can do maintenance with band-aids or replace/upgrade the problem.Often cheaper overall to use band-aids to get as much "life" out of a system.Roofs for example.

However, as most people only do a few transactions in their life, they might be fine going the "cheapest way possible" and just continue thinking poorly of the real estate profession.Just my two cents...

I'm only here for the next 1 to 1 1/2 years; until we move on to our next investment asset and life style. 

(Now down to 42 accounts).It was a life saver during our first extensive IRS Audit, as they checked detailed ledger entries etc etc on all properties going back 7 years.