., guest communication, cleaning, or repairs), and hours worked.

Then there’s city regulations—some places heavily restrict short-term rentals, so you’ve got to check the rules.If you find the right spot and automate stuff (guest communication, cleaning, etc.), it can be profitable.

I am glad you highlighted the management piece as this is a crucial part of buying in another market.Excited that you are stabilized and are generating cash flow on that deal. 

It took them several weeks to list my property on the market when there wasn't much to be done but they charge me $600+ for cleaning.

Very good resource for getting set up with STR property managers, cleaning services, realtors, lenders, etc. https://www.getchalet.com/

.: Quote from @Basit Siddiqi: I think it lies in that a lot of service providers in the real estate space are incentivized(money wise) to promote thier business.Real Estate agents are a small business, the more clients they have, the more money they make.Property managers are a small business, the more clients they have, the more money they make.Lenders, correct me if im wrong, are tied to some sort of bonus structure, the more loans they generate, the more money they make.More promotion leads to more awareness which leads to more money With all do respect I think REA's are commissioned sales people.

The very tragic LA fires have generated a lot of discussion about insurance costs.

Your ability to identify properties and markets where you can generate equity (both imputed and appreciated) while using debt responsibly and knowing when is most appropriate to sell is how you acquire more real estate. 

These days as you mention with STR almost everything can be handled remotely...cleaning, painting, locksmith, yard care, even drive by pictures of the house occasionally or internal pictures too. 

Let's say you spent a month on the initial preparation: cleaning, painting, shopping for furnishings, assembling IKEA furniture and so on.