The other is a smaller operation which does a lot of business in the specific neighborhood the house is in.  

My business partner and I just opened up our property managment company in the Chicago/Chicagoland area and it is not easy to do this the "right way".Honestly you can get yourself into some serious trouble if something happened with a tenant, an injury, anything and they sue and find out you don't have a license.

Vacancy is a normal part of the business.

I still have a hard time understanding how this business model works for them, but perhaps that upfront fee covers for lack of deal flow (?) 

Over the past 15+ years in this business, i have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

., zoning exceptions for business in a primary residence, city lots for sale for under $15,000.  

@Jacob HavlovickBigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant.A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

It will be extended, we'll see a reduction in regulations that hamper small businesses, and we'll see new regulations that help small businesses.

They have a list of vendors that want to keep them happy because of all the business they do.

I'm happy to share some tips about purchasing an STR in a different state.I joined Stayly Academy, which helped me secure a lease property under my business name and utilize it for short-term rentals.