I'd like to know your thoughts/advice on how to compare long-term and mid-term rentals.

We recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

You'll have access to owner occupied loan products, therefore saving on your down payment, typically 3-5% compared to 20-25% for non owner occupied properties.

When I say i've never had this issue, I mean- Even in the D class neighborhoods i've owned properties in, i've never dealt with vacant apartments for this amount of time.If you're comparing the 40 unit building next door to mine with security, it's sort of like comparing apples to oranges.

You have to compare your expenses with each management style and find the option that works best for you.

Quote from @Holly Barrett: So I'm comparing them w/Foremost on our Short Term Rentals, the quotes are $500-$1000 less than I am currently paying for each property per year.

You will quickly see how you compare in all those categories.

Cashflow is going to be the strongest in Cleveland compared to other ohio markets.

Sellers will also like that better.Finally, don't compare your offer price against the list price.

If you adhere strictly to the laws, you will be limited in the services you can offer to your relative compared to what they would get if they listed their property with a licensed agent, and they will get less money for their property working with you than if they hired an agent.