Mentioning unique perks like 'Game Room,' 'Lake View,' or 'Pet-Friendly' can really draw people in.

My suggestions:* Requiring code compliance and safety equipment is absolutely valid and should be part of the regulations* Requiring owners live within 15 miles is not necessary since poor hosts whether they're local or distant will violate the 3-5 warning system and earn a suspension.

Older homes will typically have systems that are out of date - even if only partially. 

Stessa is really an awesome system.

Any unique challenges?

In our student houses we use a programmable thermostat, but our building monitoring system has its own sensors and can override the wall thermostat and will not allow the temperature to get below 10C (50F) ... we are presently testing a new software load that will also prevent them from cooling the house too far in the summer.

Look for professionals who understand the unique needs of real estate investors.

It’s as if pointing out any negatives about the guru, or his system, is a personal attack on themselves.  

. - Your portfolio will suffer:(You want a PMC that has great systems in place, including a great portal where you can keep tabs on eveything.You will also need to manage your PMC on a regular basis.

For many, their downfall (and really what makes it so easy) is that it is a single-entry system.