Can't speak to the organization in Michigan but generally the benefits of a well run STRA far outweigh the costs.I am a property manager in Hawaii so we are constantly being hit with new anti-STR legislation and have a large, well-funded hotel lobby to deal with constantly.

Yes I have closed on the property,  half was over grown cutover.

As my real estate portfolio has grown over the years both in terms of the number, types and location of the properties, including across states, I have continued to use my own designed excel worksheets to track records and prepare reports, including for tax purposes.However, my worksheets have now become cumbersome and more time consuming to manage.

You have a leg up on most in that you understand regiment, organization, responsibility, and dependability. 

Some groups seemed to be focused on using you as their cash cow to fund the organizers lifestyle. 

Quick tip: When you find a meetup that interests you, check the organizer's post history and engagement in the community - it's usually a good indicator of their true intentions.

We should have a lot less residential development being delivered in the next 1-4 years, which should shift the supply and demand for long-term residential and should have increased organic rent growth in the future as we saw from 2017-2020, but counting on that as an investment strategy probably isn't the best idea. 

I’ve had other clients who preferred this approach..one even found a gem in Glenview at a time when the suburb wasn’t as well-known, and today his property’s value has grown by 15% in the past three years alone.With the anticipated drop in mortgage rates in 2024, the suburbs might be a solid pick for someone new to the market, especially if you’re looking to build equity without dealing with the volatility of city investments.So, for a first-timer, think about your goals: high appreciation and some hands-on work?

Report them on every online consumer protection organizations and spread the word before they scam more people 

My biggest issue with S8 has actually been with working with the organization.