I did a search online but couldnt find any other service like theirs were there any other competitors you looked at before going with property list manger?

All of our stays come through furnished finder.I'd start by searching furnished finder to see what demand looks like in that south Chicago area and what other competitors are doing. 

4 more days until graduation @ Illinois State, and looking to swipe up that first FHA Multi-family property!

We do not ask others/competitors what works... and then run out to do the same.

Always look at your competitors.

@Scott Esmail make yourself MORE valuable than your competitors and let the tenants know that will not charge them that fee as the others would.

That TARGET motivated sellers , and that have motivated sellers do all the work finding you and contacting you, not the other way around.I can see you are set in your ways, but I will propose this.If you don't step up,  your competitor will and they WILL destroy you.

The inventory in Celina and Melissa are tight with more competitors.

But if you offer less than one full month's rent, it may make it harder to market your unit on the mls, since your property's offered compensation will be less than other competitors on the MLS.On 2), the fee doesn't bind you to use them if you sell the property, only that you'll pay a commission if they bring you a buyer for your property. 

For the first option, I anticipate paying a higher interest rate, but I believe there may be fewer competitors in the market presently, potentially leading to good deals.