This work involves putting out fires, shaking down tenants for late rent, an eviction here and there, forced entry and fist fights here and there, getting sued once every other years (either for the fights or something frivolous), etc. etc.To be honest, the guy loves the drama and lives for it.

It seems harsh, but they have to understand that you are the best at what you do, and that they are lucky to be working with you.

You will need to be on your toes at all timesYou will run into set backs (often)You will need to evict peopleYou will need to throw families onto the streetYou will make children homelessYou will have your house damagedYou will need to hire a team of highly skilled people to be your eyes and ears on the groundYou will pay a premium for services provided on your real estate portfolioYou will be harshly judged by those outside of the industryYou will need to make decision based on the best interest of your business and not your feelingsWorks out great for some.

(I actually don't live there but I have two tenants renting rooms out month to month)If you keep her, prepare for this drama every month.

I'm not too keen on mixing money and blood though, I'd rather have a stranger do the work.....it's much easier to work with deals that are biz only and no family drama.

The metro area is hard constrained on 3 sides (mexico, pacific, military base) and soft constrained (harsh environment) going east.  

Up north, you don't get the harsh conditions (mostly hard sun exposure and heat) as much as Southern states do.

You bet - and 'ignorance' is a bit too harsh!

With Michigan having harsh winters you really only make money 5 months out of the year with STRs.

I suppose for me the risk aversion comes from being 1800+ miles away and the age of the homes in a place with harsh winters.