Think of your favorite contractors, doctors, restaurants and so on.

This is spot on.

They usually do not have these figured out, I mean sure, everyone wants to 'make money', or ' own 10 properties in 3 years', or (my favorite) 'replace their W2 job in 5 years'.....but they have not thought any further than those basic (and misguided) goals.

with millions of hosts, if you are in a bigger market, there is only a few spots that can be on the first page. 99.99% of hosts will not be on the first page. so making sure you have the most exposure to the most possible guests is the aim. just like a company making a tv commercial to be exposed to the largest audience possible.sorry, i dont think your post is controversial, its just wrong. 

Actually, I spotted your comment as an after thought, insignificant to me.

I had declared them trespassed verbally on the spot, loudly, proclaiming they were no longer allowed on the property, that I was the owner and this property was mine and I would not be pushed around or intimidated. 

We see a lot of success in the suburbs:Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 5-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

As you get further into your journey read the House Hacking BP book, it's my favorite BP book personally.

Here's the thing about ALE and similar agencies: they can be a goldmine, but you need to adjust your approach to meet their demand sweet spot.

I've only been to Texas a few times but it quickly became one of my favorite places in the US.