EDIT: Can't delete this post, so simply editing it.

While I have not done a deal with them, their agreement requires a close timing that simply will not work with conventional lenders (usually 7 days or so).  

PreREO made 2 unauthorized attempts to access my bank account to withdraw funds that were over and above the monthly interest payments.

If you are using a loan, well there is simply no inventory in Cleveland.

I found similar patterns between all 5 companies: namely, they had taken on too many units, were over-charging me for things I didn't need, and weren't handling issues correctly (they would send out vendors who didn't know what they were doing, mis-diagnose issues etc.)No disrespect to the PMs on this chain or BP in general, but any third-party manager won't perform exactly the way you would like them to simply because of the constraints they are faced with as far as having so many units and owners to keep tabs on. 

I've found deals in local online groups on Facebook, simply asking people for what I want. 

(Hands-off or hands-on.)I like STRs as a way to make money while you wait for a property to gain value, but at least for us, cash flow is simply the icing.

I thought this was simply the right thing to do and did not give a second thought to undergoing this process until after the repairs were completed.

While I’m more financially stable, that hasn’t translated into feeling more secure—I simply take bigger risks now.That said, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished.

There is a lot of variability in this answer and, like all things in real estate, it simply depends.