Running and managing these types of groups and events is a lot of work so it's not for the faint of heart but I really enjoyed it.Today, I still attend and speak at similar mastermind and meetup events large and small to connect with investors to raise capital, find deals, etc.It would be tough to say the cost is always worth it, but you don't know until you try.

Lots of fees can be easily built into a management agreement, such as 1 month's rent for finding a tenant, setting up an online portal fee $150 for both you and the tenant, manager taking half of a non refundable pet deposit $300, $7 online rent payment fee, the list is as long as the manager is creative.Work on the relationship, and as the relationship gets better and longer, you should have a guy who has your best interests at heart, although not a requirement.

I will take everything you said to heart and apply  it.

I wanted to thank every single person who replied on my forum from the bottom of my heart.

Do whatever brings you peace of heart and mind. 

Humanitarian work helping people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse is close to my heart, and if I could make it work as a solid investment as well, I may have to pursue it. 

I have found that the ones who have your best interests at heart will be conservative with their numbers and will advise you to be cautious/prudent with your personal expectations.

@Brian M.One more con for not going the permit route on a job that big is that as an operating investor in the area you live in, you risk incurring the long-term wrath of code enforcement and thereby losing a great deal of money in the future.I am renovating a 3500 ft2 duplex in the heart of a municipality, right next to the municipal building.

My heart said to work with these people.

(The hardest part of this was finding a balance of quality, luxury items that would not break our hearts or the bank if they were lost, broken or stolen.) 2) A good property manager As others have mentioned having a good property manager is really crucial in making the difference between having a successful vacation rental experience and not.