Even if I were to collect the late fees it doest’t materially alter my properties performance and my tenants appreciate the flexibility in the very rare circumstances where they are late. 

Curious if anyone has had success (or failure) qualifying for RE Professional status with an STR, even if not self managing?

Has anyone here successfully managed a portfolio of this size remotely?

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

Now, I have been successfully investing in the San Antonio market since 2019 with 6 rental properties in my portfolio.

If that is the case, then the listing agent has violated the contract by placing tenants.Also, JUST BECAUSE THE LEASES ARE FOR HIGHER AMOUNTS, DON'T ASSUME TENANTS WILL PERFORM!

This sounds like you have an existing, and I assume, successful practice in place.

On the flipside you do have to think even legit successful companies also can't float every job that long.

What are some usual steps the house hacking community takes to start building a portfolio after the first one is successful?

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!