As I am learning more of the market, I would have to agree with you.

Lessons learned?

Over the past 6 months I have been really researching and devoting myself to self improvement and learning.

From what I’ve learned, focusing on properties with under-market rents can be a game-changer.

@Sammy Sadovia welcome, this is a great place to learn. 

It also has the benefit of being local which is great training wheels as you learn how to be a killer host.Now assuming that you mostly want a cool property to stay in sometimes near water and don't want to spend a ton of time managing I really like the outer banks in NC.

Lessons learned?

Software automates what you already know (hopefully) - for some folks they get in trouble because they assume the software "knows" and they don't bother to learn it.

@Spencer DixonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I also want to purchase and repurpose unused spaces around various metro areas myself someday and I figured what a great way learn by helping someone else succeed.