You have a choice in STR. 

Artwork is often personal choice, but you definitely need some stuff there.

Duplexes are a little easier than 3-4 units with FHA since they don't have to meet self-sufficiency requirements.

I am sure there are other good choices out there, but strongly recommend them.Stessa is lacking tenant communications and maintenance tracking, but overall stands up pretty well as free, or nearly free.Buildium is pricey and has a learning curve, but if you are going to exceed 20 units, definitely look to migrating to a real professional package like buildium

How does one define design choices, etc?

However, my take on this is they did not do sufficient due diligence on many fronts, including city government challenges, operating challenges, infrastructure challenges and marketing challenges. 

They charge $500 a month plus a $350 set-up fee plus whatever you spend with Google or Bing to run the ads.DIRECT MAILIf you have a pretty healthy budget to spend, then direct mail might be a good choice for you.

I own a portfolio of 35 units worth just under $4 million and I find that the analysis, projections and valuation tools DealCheck provides are sufficient for me to make investment decisions. 

The fear of unknown and the bad potentials, but then sh_t happens and ya remember that we got a choice to lay down and be done in by it or roll-up the sleeves and get to work and be a solution maker. 

Reporting is regular and sufficient.