Correct - Track all your income and expenses.The bookkeeping will determine whether you are profitable or not.it will also be good to compare from year to year your income / expenses to see what expenses you can potentially try to limit.I.E.

Are there any specific areas that are reasonably priced compared to the cities? 

Regardless of the asset class, the common thread is clarity, consistency, and respect.At Robin Hood Properties, we’ve learned that balancing profit with a deep commitment to customer satisfaction creates sustainable success for everyone involved.

My cost wont necessarily be the same or comparable as I GC my own projects and have trade skills.

---Investors always compare/hire people of Craigslist that are uninsured, questionable skills, are unreliable and offer no warranties.

I would confirm by seeing the product then going out and checking comparables in that market that have sold. 

Not alot of confidence in any existing rentals as consistent indciators but I feel like so many homes are 1/2 rentals and don't tell the whole story.Anyone have any insight into the Cashiers/Highlands/Sapphire/Lake Toxaway markets to share? 

It amazes me the nice cars, clothes, and general stuff that my renters have compared to what I own. 

Additionally, these properties generally attract long-term tenants with longer leases, offering more consistent cash flow

I don't think Im paying my bookeepeer an outrageous amount, although with economies of scale (I have one commercial insurance plan, commerical portfolio loan from a single bank, one bank account, etc) it probably doesn't take the Bookeeper 3x to do my books compared to yours.