Right now I can only tell by finding my properties on airbnb and looking at the calendars and what days are blocked of and assume those are bookings. 

Either do the blocking and tackling of one on one help here or stop with the "I'm so smart, you should be better" nonsense. 

I don't know enough to bet on a particular block when looking at deals, so if that is the situation I may need to look elsewhere. 

If you ever want to bounce ideas off someone who's been around the block a few times, feel free to give me a shout.Pat and JasperTurning investment visions into REALITY in Phoenix, AZ - Ranked #1 for residential real estate growth and opportunity by PwC

With that being said having your team in place is the biggest stepping block to having success in the real estate world. 

You will make more connections with homeowners when you say you live there and you know the blocks and streets around them.

I've come across several products online that are basically a block with double-stick tape, but I like the tread idea on the block you have. 

Second, I think you are still looking at this experience through rose-colored glasses.

But, he never asked me what paint or color to use before doing the original work.

If you want to lend long term debt, you don’t want to compete and be the cheapest on the block (that’s a race to the bottom), you want to lend on stuff that nobody else (or a select few) will lend on and charge a premium for it.