Good Morning,I am a former Claims Specialist with the Social Security Administration and currently unemployed homeowner who is looking for guidance on how to gain property management experience here in the Central Coast of California.My wife is the only one working at the moment, so times are tough to say the least.We're looking to rent out a portion of our home in order to save up enough money to purchase our second home (or multi-family unit), rent that out, and begin to expand our portfolio. 

They still do not have an app, although they claim to be developing an app.

It protects both parties.Adding your property manager as an additional insured protects you and your property manager in case of a claim or lawsuit.

Absolutely.If a landlord is listed as additional insured (rather than additional interest) they cannot make a claim against one another's liability policy for damages - it could completely jeopardize the coverage they think they're making it easier to get. 

A quick internet search led to quite a few complaints by people claiming to be ripped off, had deals fall through, or simply getting the run around each time. 

They claim to charge in the "high 4 figures" - one web source says it's $4800 - to join their group and get access to their network and resources.  

Make sure you are going to get your money's worth.One more thing: Matt claims they have now fixed their staffing issue and fine tuned the business.

I gently asked the tenant if she smelled weed in the backyard and she claimed that she does not smoke anything so she does not know etc etc.2.

I didn't even have $1000 saved at that time and I was really just thinking of going the regular route of going through the banks and just save up as much as I could for a down payment on my first investment home to rent out.

@Placeholder PlaceholderOne word of caution I would advise: If a community or local government is enacting restrictions and also regularly enforcing them, then its often a reflection of the local community sentiment which increases the chance of a neighborhood or nearby resident calling you in if they think you may be running an STR.